COLUMBIA, South Carolina – Three men were charged after being involved in two boating accidents on Lake Murray last May.
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has charged Steven Kranendonk and Steven Miller with two counts of felony DUI while operating a boat and a third man, David Porth, with boating while intoxicated.
One of the accidents led to the deaths of Amber Golden, 25, and Kelly Bullard, 25.
This accident took place on May 1 around 10:55. Kranendonk’s boat was heading southeast out of the Lighthouse Marina. Another boat that was carrying Golden and Bullard was heading northeast toward the Lake Murray Marina.
Kranendonk revealed that he saw the other boat before his vessel collided with it. The other boat was crushed and the victims died due to head trauma. Two other men were seriously injured.
The second accident happened after Porth, who was manning another boat, collided into Miller’s vessel. Miller’s boat did not have its lights on. This wreck happened around 11:05 p.m. on the same night. Two men were killed as a result, Matthew Howk, 21, and Randall Carter, 34.
Bond for Kranendonk and Miller was posted at $25,000. Porth was let out on bail for $595.
Driving while intoxicated is a serious charge that affects not only the lives of the drunk drivers, but the victims involved as well. A DUI can be issued for anyone operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other drug-related substance.
If you or a loved one have been hurt because of a drunk driver, contact a top DUI attorney as soon as possible to get compensated for your injuries, losses and property damage.
A skilled DUI attorney will take care of everything, from calling police officers and examining evidence to speaking to insurance companies and filing your claim. They will even schedule an appointment with a physician if you haven’t already done so.
After an accident happens, contact a DUI attorney immediately because you are rightfully entitled to receive compensation.
