Woman killed, 3 hurt when boat slams into pier near Logan Airport runway in East Boston

A 24-year-old woman was killed and three other people were hurt late Wednesday night when a boat crashed into a pier just off a runway at Logan Airport in East Boston. 

It happened around 11:20 p.m. in the water off of runway 4R, not far from Castle Island.

Massachusetts State Police said four people were on the recreational boat when it crashed into the pier and all of the passengers were thrown onto the rocks that wrap the shoreline. According to the Suffolk District Attorney's office, there were three women and one man on the boat.  

The DA said originally there was a 911 call from the boat saying another vessel had crashed into them, but it was determined that was not the case.

Boston EMS said that four people were "carefully extricated" from the rocks. 

Rescuers said the conditions were challenging because it was so dark and the rocks along the shoreline were slippery.

State police said that all four were taken to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. The 24-year-old woman, who has been identified as Elizabeth Dankert of Andover, was later pronounced dead.

"We are devastated. She was an amazing young lady, who we are going to miss immensely," Dankert's family said in a statement. 

Two 23-year-old women who were friends with Dankert are being treated for injuries that are not considered life-threatening, the DA said. They said Dankert and her two female friends were picked up in the Seaport District earlier in the night.

The DA's office said the boat is owned by a 40-year-old man. Freedom Boat Club said the vessel is part of its fleet, and it "was taken without authorization and operated outside the knowledge and control of the Club, well after the Club had closed for the day." 

"This activity did not occur within normal Club operations or established protocols governing access to and use of our vessels," the company said in a statement. 

Police have not confirmed who was operating the boat at the time of the crash. It is not clear what caused the crash, or if anyone could face charges.

"I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Elizabeth Dankert and I assure them that all aspects of this tragedy are under investigation. I want to thank EMS personnel and other first responders for their exceptional treatment and recovery work under extremely difficult conditions," District Attorney Kevin Hayden said in a statement. 

Captain Angel Montanez has more than 40 years' experience investigating these kinds of crashes. He says authorities will start by looking at the ability of the driver and made note of the challenging depth perception when on the water at night. "Especially around the airport where you have all flashing lights and the blinking lights and then you have the planes landing," Montanez told WBZ. 

Dankert was a student and athlete at Union College in Schenectady, New York. The school said she had a "tremendous impact" during her time there. 

"Her passing is a profound loss for our campus community. We offer our condolences to Lizzie's family, classmates, teammates and all those who were lucky to know this terrific young woman. We are reaching out to those on campus who are affected by this sad news and providing support and resources to help them through this very difficult ordeal," Union College said in a statement. 

Dankert worked for the software company PTC. "Lizzie was a beloved member of the PTC team, known for her positive attitude, enthusiasm, and willingness to help others," the company said in a statement. "She will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with Lizzie's family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time."