2 charged in Hudson River boat accident that killed boy, woman in July 2022
NEW YORK -- Two men have been charged with causing the deaths of two people when a boat capsized in the Hudson River back in the summer of 2022.
Richard Cruz and Jaime Pinilla Gomez, both of Elizabeth, New Jersey, are now facing federal charges in connection with the death of 7-year-old Julien Vasquez and 48-year-old Lindelia Vasquez, who drowned back in July of that year after becoming trapped underneath a vessel that capsized on the Hudson River. Several others on board were also injured.
Officials say 32-year-old Cruz was the owner and captain of the vessel, while 25-year-old Gomez was the pilot.
The formal complaint states: "Cruz and Gomez conducted boat 'tours' for paying customers onboard the vessel on multiple occasions in the months leading up to the capsizing, although they did not have the required United States Coast Guard ('USCG') credentials and certifications to do so," adding, "Cruz and Gomez operated Stimulus Money with 13 people on board, exceeding the vessel's maximum allowable capacity; Cruz and Gomez operated Stimulus Money at a high rate of speed during a small craft advisory in high winds and heavy seas."
The pair are each charged with one count of misconduct and neglect of a ship officer resulting in death.
Video from the 2022 incident shows the jet-powered boat navigating the choppy waters of the Hudson River on a windy afternoon, with no other boats nearby.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams stated Thursday, in part, "Federal regulations and safety protocols exist to ensure that captains and operators of commercial vessels keep passengers safe. The defendants allegedly flouted those regulations, recklessly disregarded safety protocols, operated the vessel at an unsafe speed in hazardous conditions, and overloaded the vessel with too many passengers onboard, and the result was tragic."
If found guilty, both Cruz and Gomez could face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. They were released on bond on Thursday afternoon and are due back in court on April 5.
