A man is facing charges of driving under the influence after allegedly crashing his boat into a group of swimmers, killing a 10-year-old girl and seriously injuring a woman.
Quinten Knight, 40, is accused of operating a boat while impaired on Harris Lake in Chatham County, North Carolina. According to WRAL News and CBS 17, Knight allegedly struck Jennifer Stehle and Brooklyn Mae Carroll, 10, while they were in the water shortly before 4:35 p.m. on Saturday, August 2.
Carroll succumbed to her injuries, while Jennifer was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition. CBS 17 and ABC11 reported that Jennifer’s leg was amputated above the knee. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission confirmed that her right leg was also injured but stated that surgeons “believed they have saved” it.
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Kristie Stehle, Jennifer’s sister-in-law, told WRAL News that Jennifer remains in critical condition. Authorities clarified that Jennifer and Carroll were not related, per ABC11.
An arrest warrant cited by CBS 17 and WRAL News alleges that Knight was “under the influence of an impairing substance” and that he “unintentionally caused the death of” the child. Sgt. Claude Smith of the N.C. Wildlife Commission told WRAL that Knight drove his girlfriend’s Tiger Wake Boat into three swimmers. He was arrested at the Cross Point Access Area.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has charged Knight with Operating While Impaired and Death by Impaired Boating. WRAL News also reported that Knight has a pending hit-and-run charge from two years ago.
Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson released a statement obtained by PEOPLE, calling the tragedy preventable.
“This was a heartbreaking accident, but one that was preventable,” Roberson said. “Alcohol was a factor, and the decision to operate a boat while impaired had devastating consequences. We urge everyone to think twice before mixing alcohol with watercraft operation. It only takes a moment for lives to be changed forever.”
He continued, “We ask the public to keep the families and loved ones of those involved in your thoughts and prayers. We are also grateful to the deputies, first responders, and medical professionals who responded swiftly and courageously in an incredibly difficult situation.”
Kristie Stehle also shared a public message via WRAL News, stating:
“Please keep both families in your thoughts and prayers for strength as they try to cope and heal from this terrible tragedy, one that should’ve never happened. My family and friend did everything right, but because of a series of reckless and selfish decisions, both families are now left traumatized and forever changed.”
She added, “This is a heartbreaking reminder that every choice we make can deeply affect the lives of others. Please think before you act. Your decision, no matter how small they seem, can have life-altering consequences for good, loving, hardworking, Christian people who deserve peace, not pain.”
A GoFundMe page has been launched to support Jennifer’s medical expenses and recovery, raising over $13,000 toward a $35,000 goal.
“On August 2, 2025, tragedy struck when Jennifer Stehle, a wife, mother, and WCPSS school social worker, became one of the victims in a devastating accident at Harris Lake,” the fundraiser reads. “She sustained severe injuries and now faces a long and challenging road to recovery.”
The post continues, “As Jennifer begins this difficult journey, her family—especially her husband, Justin—is doing everything they can to support her, but they need our help. The emotional and financial burden is immense, and any support will make a significant difference in her recovery process.”
Other boaters at Harris Lake reacted to the tragedy. Craig Schnier told CBS 17, “Drinking and driving in a car is totally unacceptable but drinking on a boat is a totally different level. Absolutely absurd—it’s hard to believe somebody can do something of that nature. Boating is supposed to be fun, about being with family and friends. It’s just horrible to hear.”
Mark Macchioni also commented, “You just have to make sure that you’re always looking out — it doesn’t matter what other people are doing — just make sure that you can see, especially if there’s people wakeboarding or doing something else in the water.”
The investigation remains ongoing. Knight is scheduled to appear in court on September 22, according to WRAL News.
