7-Year-Old Girl Among 2 Killed In New Hampshire Boat Crash
NEWINGTON, N.H. (CBS) - What was supposed to be an amazing day on the Piscataqua River ended tragically for a Maine family after their boat hit a buoy killing two people, a seven-year-old girl and a 56-year-old woman.
"Unfortunately an adult female and a seven-year-old child succumbed to their injuries during the crash," said Crystal McLain of the NH State Police Marine Patrol.
Investigators say the crash happened early Saturday evening when the driver of the 24-foot Boston Whaler, John Wickman, was out on the river with three passengers, seven-year-old Kaillen Wickman, her five-year-old brother Mikey and 56-year-old Laurie Stewart. Kaillen and Stewart died after the crash.
"Upon on impact, it ejected one of the passengers into the water, who was then pulled from the water shortly thereafter," McLain said.
Kaillen's five-year-old brother Mikey was transported to Boston Children's Hospital where he is being treated.
Kaillen was a first grader at the Elliott Elementary School. On Monday, grief counselors talked to the children in small groups.
Officials say the crash happened in a dangerous section of the river where the water can be rough at times. Right now, it is still unclear what caused the driver to hit that buoy.
"We do believe that operator inattention may have contributed to the crash," said McLain.
The crash remains under investigation.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for the family.
