Alcohol, Drugs, Speed Cited in Boat Wreck
Morgantown Dominion Post
12 June 2015
By Alex Lang
Alcohol, drugs and excessive speed were all factors in a Memorial
Day boat wreck on Cheat Lake that injured 12 young adults,
according to an accident report released by the Division of
Natural Resources (DNR) on Thursday.
The report does not list driver’s blood-alcohol content (BAC).
According to a criminal complaint against Brandon Solomon, his BAC
exceeded the limit of 0.08 percent for operating a watercraft, but
the specific figure was not listed.
Also in the report, the contributing factor categories of alcohol
use, drug use and excessive speed were checked off, but no details
were provided.
DNR officials referred questions to the Monongalia County
Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, which is handling the criminal
case. Prosecuting Attorney Marcia Ashdown declined to comment on
which drugs were used as the case is still being prosecuted.
Solomon, 20, of Morgantown, was charged with 11 counts of boating
while intoxicated causing injury, for driving an unlicensed vessel
and not having enough life jackets aboard the 23-foot Malibu
Wakesetter. He faces up to 11 years in prison from his misdemeanor
charges.
Solomon is free after posting $32,000 bond.
The 11 passengers were Jacob Alexander, 21; Reid Bailey, 21;
Rachel Coyle, 20; Carly Della Sala, 20; Michael Gaudino, 21;
Morgan Gerdon, 19; Tyler Geyer, 21; Bret Grady, 21; Maci Robles,
18; Hannah Spangler, 18; and Carly Weinstein, 20.
Each of the 12 people involved was admitted to the hospital.
According to the 17-page DNR report, Solomon fell from behind the
wheel area and lost control of the boat, which crashed into an
embankment. The boat involved was a total loss, estimated at
$25,000. He is listed as the boat’s owner.
The vessel sustained damage to the bow, both sides near the bow,
the hull under the bow and the interior structure behind the bow
on both sides.
The boat was cruising, which indicated the boat was under way and
under power. It was being used for recreational activities,
according to the report.
Seven life jackets were aboard the boat. State requirements state
there should be life jackets for all people aboard. According to
the report, none of those on board wore a life jacket.
There was good visibility and no wind at the time of the accident,
according to the report. The waves of up to 6 inches, were
described as calm.
Solomon had completed a boat safety course through the Internet in
2009, the report said.