🚤 Barnegat Woman Charged in Deadly Memorial Day Weekend Boat Crash
A Barnegat woman faces a second-degree charge for death by vessel following a fatal boat crash during Memorial Day weekend. Jennifer Pearson surrendered to New Jersey State Police on multiple charges, including operating a vessel while under the influence and reckless operation.
BARNEGAT, NJ — August 22, 2026 — A 59-year-old Barnegat woman has been arrested and charged in connection with a deadly boat crash that occurred over Memorial Day weekend, according to the New Jersey State Police.
On August 19, members of the New Jersey State Police Troop “C” Criminal Investigation Office, Marine Bureau Point Pleasant Station, and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office coordinated the voluntary surrender of Jennifer Pearson, 59, of Barnegat.
Pearson surrendered at the New Jersey State Police Troop “C” Tuckerton Station, where she was placed under arrest.
Authorities charged Pearson with death by vessel, a second-degree offense, along with:
🚨 Operating a vessel under the influence 🚨 Reckless operation of a vessel 🚨 Operating a vessel without a Boating Safety Certificate 🚨 Failure to have a proper lookout
Pearson was lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
The charges stem from a boat crash during Memorial Day weekend that resulted in a death. State Police said the case remains under investigation and that no additional information is currently available.
⚖️ All charges are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
📲 Garden State News Network will continue monitoring the investigation and will provide additional information if released by authorities.