A 40-year-old North Carolina man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly driving a boat while intoxicated into a group of swimmers on Harris Lake, killing a 10-year-old girl and critically injuring a woman on August 2.
Quinten Gregory Knight was arrested early Sunday morning and charged with Operating While Impaired and Death by Impaired Boating following the incident that occurred before 4:35 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. The collision took place on Harris Lake in Chatham County, approximately 30 miles southwest of Raleigh.
Brooklyn Mae Carroll, a rising fifth-grader at West Lake Elementary School, died from injuries sustained in the crash. Jennifer Stehle, a school social worker for Wake County Public School System, was airlifted to a hospital where her left leg was amputated above the knee. Medical officials indicated that surgeons believed they saved her right leg, which was also injured. Stehle remains in critical condition according to her sister-in-law.
According to arrest warrants, Knight was under the influence of an impairing substance when he unintentionally caused Carroll’s death. Chatham County District Attorney Jeff Nieman revealed that investigators discovered 39 empty beer cans aboard Knight’s girlfriend’s Tiger Wake Boat following the crash.
N.C. Wildlife Commission Sergeant Claude Smith reported that Knight was allegedly looking backward toward a tube he was towing when he drove into three swimmers. The boat operator was reportedly pulling the tube in a circular pattern around the lake at the time of the collision. Officers arrested Knight at the Cross Point Access Area.
Investigators determined that Knight allegedly attempted to dispose of the alcohol containers after the incident occurred. Court documents reveal Knight faces a pending felony hit-and-run charge from a December 2023 incident in Moore County, where he was accused of causing injuries.
Knight’s girlfriend, Annemarie Flanigan of Vass, was arrested Tuesday on charges of aiding and abetting felony death by impaired boating, aiding and abetting felony serious injury by impaired boating, and aiding and abetting DWI for allowing Knight to operate her vessel while intoxicated. Knight is being held on a $500,000 secured bond.
Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson emphasized that alcohol was a factor in the preventable accident. “This was a heartbreaking accident, but one that was preventable,” Roberson stated. The sheriff urged the public to reconsider mixing alcohol with watercraft operation, noting that lives can be changed forever in a moment.
Roberson expressed gratitude to the deputies, first responders, and medical professionals who responded to the difficult situation. He requested that the public keep the affected families in their thoughts and prayers during this challenging time.
Jennifer Stehle’s sister-in-law, Kristie Stehle, released a public statement asking for prayers for both families as they attempt to cope with the tragedy. She emphasized that her family did everything correctly but became victims of reckless and selfish decisions. Kristie Stehle described the incident as a heartbreaking reminder that individual choices can deeply affect the lives of others.
The West Lake Elementary School community is mourning Carroll’s death. A family member described Brooklyn Mae as a light in every room she entered, with an infectious smile and loving heart that touched everyone who knew her. Her parents, Kim and Matt, are now facing what the family describes as every parent’s worst nightmare.
A GoFundMe page established to assist with Jennifer Stehle’s medical expenses has raised over $46,000. The fundraising description explains that Stehle faces a long and challenging recovery process, with her family needing community support during this difficult journey.
Local boaters expressed shock at the incident. Craig Schnier told CBS 17 that drinking and operating a boat represents a different level of unacceptability compared to drinking and driving a car. Mark Macchioni emphasized the importance of constant vigilance on the water, particularly when people are wakeboarding or swimming.
Harris Lake serves as a popular summer destination for families engaging in boating, fishing, and swimming activities. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission continues investigating the incident. Knight is scheduled to appear in court on September 22.
