(Des Moines)– More details are coming out in the investigation into a fatal hit-and-run boat crash August 12th on West Lake Okoboji. The mishap claimed the life of 50-year-old Doctor Michael Brosnahan of Perry and injured his 51-year-old wife, Jill.
It was announced Tuesday 29-year-old Justin Nearman of Sioux Falls has been charged with operating a motor boat while intoxicated resulting in the death of another person…a class “B” felony; and operating a motor boat while intoxicated resulting in the serious injury of another person…a class “D” felony.
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation this (Fri.) afternoon announced the boat believed involved in the crash is owned by 46-year-old Richard Christopher Brandt of Sioux Falls, a seasonal resident of the Iowa Great Lakes. Brandt’s 2003 26-foot Sea Ray was seized by authorities a week ago from a boat hoist on the west side of West Lake Okoboji.
John Quinn, a Special Agent with the DCI, says Nearman and Brandt were co-workers for an electrical firm in Brandon, South Dakota.
Quinn won’t elaborate on just what it was that led them to identify Brandt’s boat as the suspect boat. He also wouldn’t say if Nearman had permission to use Brandt’s boat. Quinn says no charges will be filed against Brandt.
The Iowa Attorney General’s Office has been called in to assist the Dickinson County Attorney.
