New Information in Deadly Boat Accident

The following story was written by Patch Editor Robin Traum, and posted by Patch Editor Chris McHugh.

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Zugibe expects the investigation into the July 26th fatal boat accident on the Hudson River will not be completed until early September. 

The accident south of the Tappan Zee Bridge killed bride-to-be Lindsey Stewart of Piermont and her fiancé’s best man, Mark Lennon of Pearl River.  

Zugibe said the New York State Police have not finished the toxicology reports and that he does not anticipate releasing the reports until after they are presented to a grand jury. State Park Police are handling the accident reconstruction portion of the investigation and that is ongoing also.  Zugibe believes the investigation will be finished in early September at which time the findings will be presented to a grand jury for it to determine how to proceed. 

Zugibe said the state park police have a specialization in accident reconstruction. When asked about the waiting period for the toxicology reports, Zugibe told Patch on Tuesday the state police lab provides crime lab services for Rockland as well as many other parts of the state.

Jojo John, 35, of Nyack was charged the day after the crash with one count of vehicular manslaughter in the first degree and three counts of vehicular assault in the third degree, all felony charges. The collision between the speedboat and a construction barge injured John, the groom Brian Bond of Pearl River and the other two passengers. It has led to calls for increased lighting for the barges used for construction of the new Tappan Zee Bridge.  

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Grieving Familes: 'None of Them Saw the Barge'; Parents Ask for Public's Help

Experts: Hudson River Crash Highlights Need for Better Boat Safety Law, Systems

Second Body Found Near Site of Boat Accident

1 Body Recovered, 1 Still Missing After Boating Accident