LONG BEACH ISLAND – A tragic boating accident off Long Beach Island has claimed the life of a young man after a vessel struck a channel marker, authorities said.
New Jersey State Police confirmed that Gunnar Pearson, 28, died early today as a result of the one-vessel crash. Pearson was among six people aboard the boat when the accident happened, shortly before 6 p.m. in the bay near the Brant Beach Yacht Club.
According to initial reports, state police said the boat struck a channel marker, ejecting two occupants into the water. Emergency responders performed CPR on him for more than 20 minutes before he was transported from the scene and airlifted to a trauma center in Atlantic City.
Authorities have not publicly identified the remaining victims. However, Gunnar was believed to have been aboard the vessel with his parents, his brother and both of their girlfriends.
Rafael Adorno of Waretown said his son attended Barnegat High School with Gunnar and referred to him as a superior athlete and someone who came from a family deeply connected to boating. “Gunnar was a really talented member of the track team,” Adorno shared. “Their family were avid boaters.”
The four other occupants aboard the vessel were reportedly treated for injuries following the crash.
Multiple agencies responded to the emergency, including the New Jersey State Police Marine Unit, U.S. Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light, Beach Haven Volunteer First Aid Squad, Long Beach Township Police, Barnegat Light Volunteer First Aid Squad and Surf City EMS.
The investigation into the accident remains ongoing. Authorities have not released additional details regarding what may have led to the crash, and members of the public are urged not to speculate on the cause while investigators continue their work.
