CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C. — A devastating boating crash on Harris Lake has claimed the life of 10-year-old Brooklyn Mae Carroll and left a woman, Jennifer Stehle, critically injured, prompting widespread grief and calls for stricter boating safety awareness.
According to arrest warrants and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, 40-year-old Quinten Kight was operating a boat while under the influence of an impairing substance on Saturday, August 2, when he struck Brooklyn and Stehle as they swam near a boat. The collision occurred around 4:30 p.m., and tragically, Brooklyn—just days away from starting fifth grade at West Lake Elementary School in Cary—was killed on the scene. Jennifer Stehle was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition, where doctors were forced to amputate her leg.
Kight now faces felony charges, including operating a motor vessel while impaired and unintentionally causing the death of another person. According to authorities, Kight remained at the scene and, along with passengers on his boat, attempted to help the victims.
“This was a heartbreaking accident, but one that was preventable,” said Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson. “Alcohol was a factor, and the decision to operate a boat while impaired had devastating consequences. We urge everyone to think twice before mixing alcohol with watercraft operation. It only takes a moment for lives to be changed forever.”
Sgt. Claude Smith with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission echoed those sentiments: “Operating a boat under any impairing substance—whether that’s drugs or alcohol—is extremely dangerous. This is an extreme example of what can go wrong.”
Brooklyn’s family and the community are now left mourning a bright young life taken far too soon. West Lake Elementary School notified families over the weekend, offering counseling services and support for students and staff affected by the loss.
Kristie Stehle, Jennifer Stehle’s sister-in-law, issued a heartfelt statement to WRAL News:
“Please keep both families in your thoughts and prayers for strength as they try to cope and heal from this terrible tragedy—one that should’ve never happened. My family and friend did everything right, but because of a series of reckless and selfish decisions, both families are now left traumatized and forever changed.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist with Jennifer Stehle’s medical expenses and recovery.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is leading the investigation. It was revealed that Kight also has a pending hit-and-run charge from two years ago, raising further concerns about repeat offenses and accountability.
Lake visitors on Sunday expressed shock and frustration, urging for better education and enforcement of boating laws.
“I hope this has taught them a lesson—that drinking while boating is just like drinking while driving,” said Maya Spencer, a regular at Harris Lake.
“We need more awareness,” added Pam McCain. “There has to be more responsibility taken when operating any kind of vessel.”
Responding agencies included First Health EMS, Moncure Fire Department, Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, UNC Air Care, and N.C. Wildlife.
Brooklyn Mae Carroll’s tragic death is a sobering reminder of how quickly joy can turn to heartbreak—and the urgent need for responsible boating practices.
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