39 empty beer cans found in boat after deadly Harris Lake crash, officials say; new charges, $500k bond for boater

PITTSBORO, N.C. (WNCN) — A Chatham County judge set a $500,000 bond Monday for a man charged in connection with a fatal boating crash that killed a young girl on Harris Lake. 

Prosecutors say Quinten Kight, 40, of Vass, Moore County, was under the influence Saturday afternoon around 4:30, as he drove his girlfriend’s boat and while looking backward as he towed someone in a tube, he plowed the boat into some swimmers.

Brooklyn Carroll, 10, a fifth grader at West Lake Elementary School in Cary was killed. Her friend’s mother, Jennifer Stehle of Apex, was critically injured.

Several people who were with Kight jumped into the water to help the victims.

 “This man is not safe to be out in the community.”

Chatham County District Attorney Jeff Neiman told the judge at Kight’s first court appearance Monday afternoon that immediately following the crash, it was apparent that the suspect had been drinking.

“He exhibited a strong odor of alcohol and glassy eyes. Despite the fact that there was some attempt to evacuate alcohol containers from the boat, they found 39 empty beer cans in Mr. Kight’s boat, seven of which appeared to have been ‘shotgunned.’ They also found 50 alcohol containers that were found outside the boat.”

Deputies took Kight into custody at the lake. However, this would not be his first run-in with law enforcement.

“Mr. Kight was out on bond for a felony hit and run out of Moore County. “

That case is still pending.

Kight also faced numerous other charges of DWI charges and speeding dating back to the early 2000s.

“He has a previous conviction for driving while impaired or the equivalent in New Mexico in 2010.“

On Monday, the Chatham County District Attorney also added two more charges of reckless driving and DWI to his list in the fatal boat crash. He faces a felony charge for operating a motor vessel “while under the influence of an impairing substance,” unintentionally causing the death of another person.

And if he makes bail, the judge ordered Kight not to operate any motor vehicle.

“Obviously, this is a very sad and tragic situation.”

The adult victim, Jennifer Stehle had to have her entire leg amputated and remains in critical condition as the family of young Brooklyn Carroll prepares to lay her to rest.

Kight’s next court date is scheduled for August 20. He could face more charges, once his blood alcohol test results come in.

The following statement  went out to West Lake Elementary families on Sunday night:

Dear West Lake Families,

It is with great sadness that I write this message to let you know that one of our fifth-grade students, Brooklyn Carroll, died on August 2. Our condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends.  

Please realize that reactions to stress and loss are varied and can depend upon such factors as age, personality, previous losses, and relationship to the victim.  If you feel that your child has been affected by this situation, you can help your child by doing the following:

• Take time to listen to and talk with your child about what has happened.
• Reassure your child that you will be available to help him/her through this difficult time.
• Help your child verbalize some of the feelings he/she might be feeling but is unable to express.
• Reassure your child that you will do all you can to keep him/her safe. Providing specific examples may help to reduce some of the fear and anxiety.
• Discuss some of the things your child and you might do to express your concern for the deceased’s family.  If you decide to attend the funeral and/or memorial service, it is probably best that you or some responsible person accompany your child.

Any changes in your child’s behavior which seem extreme and/or do not seem to go away should be brought to the attention of the school counselor or someone in the community of your choosing who can assist your child. 

We will have staff available at the school to assist our students in coping with this loss. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have a need as we navigate this challenging time together.
Lisa Baggio Principal

While the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is leading the investigation, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is assisting as needed and remains committed to supporting their partners and the families affected.  Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson said the accident was preventable. His office is also working closely with the District Attorney’s Office as the case moves forward.

Monday, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office released a statement on the case:

“Our community is grieving the tragic loss of a 10-year-old child and the critical injury of a woman after they were struck by a boat at Harris Lake over the weekend.”

“This was a heartbreaking accident, but one that was preventable,” said 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.”

“We ask the public to keep the families and loved ones of those involved in your thoughts and prayers. We are also grateful to the deputies, first responders, and medical professionals who responded swiftly and courageously in an incredibly difficult situation.”
Sheriff Mike Roberson