Lawmakers Pushing for Stronger Drunk Boating Laws after Concord Teen’s Death

CORNELIUS, NC – Family and friends of a Concord teen killed by a drunk boater are pushing to strengthen state law. They say tougher penalties are needed for those caught drinking and driving on the water.

17-year-old Sheyenne Marshall died after being run over by a drunk boater on Lake Norman last 4th of July.

Right now, boating while impaired is only considered a class 2 misdemeanor.

“After the accident, we were really actually shocked that the laws on land were not comparable to the laws on the water,” says Sheyenne’s mother Leta Marshall.

Lawmakers are now working to pass Sheyenne’s Law, which would make it a felony to hurt or kill someone while boating drunk.

The bill has already passed the North Carolina House and is now headed to the Senate.

“It really just hits and home with me, because I’ve, I’ve witnessed it,” says Sheyenne’s boyfriend Jack Ezzell.

Saturday, Ezzell hosted an event promoting boating safety at Peninsula Yacht Club in Cornelius.

“It’s almost like it’s a part of the culture. But it’s getting to be a problem were people go out and they drink way too much,” Ezzell explains.

Those who took a simulation course wearing drunk goggles say the reality was sobering.

“It kinda makes you wonder how safe it is out there when people are driving intoxicated. It’s kinda scary actually,” says Murrells Inlet, SC resident Phil Gilberto.

He agrees stiffer penalties are needed for those caught drinking and driving on the water.

“There really needs to be. And equally important to having the laws is having them enforced adequately on the lake,” Gilberto says.

Meanwhile, Sheyenne’s family says they are optimistic the bill will become law.

“As hard as it has been for our family. We’re just happy that something’s going to change for other families if this happens in the future,” says Sheyenne’s sister Montana Marshall.

If Sheyenne’s law passes, lawmakers say it would go into effect in December.