MOUNT PLEASANT, SC — A fatal boating accident occurred late on April 25, resulting in the death of a 19-year-old Citadel cadet.
The incident involved a 1994 Key West motorboat and occurred around 11 p.m. near the dock at King Street in the Old Village area. According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the boat was carrying seven individuals, including cadet Evan Greenleigh, who later died from a severe skull fracture.
Authorities reported that the impact with the dock was severe, necessitating medical aid for all aboard. Greenleigh was pronounced dead at the Medical University of South Carolina. Of the other six individuals, three experienced various injuries, including concussions and lacerations; the others were uninjured.
Witness statements indicated that alcohol was a factor in the incident, with the boat driver, 21-year-old William Tavel III, allegedly consuming alcohol before the crash. Tavel was subsequently arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter, with a potential maximum penalty of five years in prison.
DNR officials stated that Tavel's lack of visibility due to overcrowding at the front of the boat contributed to the accident. This incident marks Tavel's fourth boating-related citation. He was previously cited on April 4 for operational violations.
Investigations into the crash are ongoing, as authorities continue to gather evidence and witness testimony.