Tragedy rocked a Texas family on Independence Day, when a new mother was reportedly killed in a drunken boating accident. Jerri MacMeekin, 31, was riding in a boat being driven by her brother-in-law, 29-year-old Kyle MacMeekin, who was allegedly drunk. Jerri MacMeekin fell off the back of the boat into Lake Conroe in Montgomery County after a collision with another boat.
Several people reportedly jumped into the water to try to save Jerri MacMeekin, but were unable to rescue her. Both Kyle MacMeekin and the driver of the second boat involved in the collision, Shane Anniboli, 44, were arrested and charged with boating while intoxicated.
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The boat crash happened late in the evening.
According to KPRC, the two boats had been traveling together on the lake when they collided around 9 p.m. on July 4. The incident occurred just before a fireworks display was scheduled to begin.
According to a news release from the Montgomery County Precinct One Constable posted on Facebook, several people jumped into the water but could not find the mother after she had fallen into the lake. Someone called 911 for help, and a rescue effort began.
Jerri MacMeekin's body was found hours later.
According to investigators, her body was recovered around 11:30 p.m. She was reportedly not wearing a life jacket at the the time of her death.
Montgomery County Precinct 1 Constable's Office Capt. Miguel Rosario told KPRC it was a difficult night.
"We never enjoy pulling people out of the water, especially on a holiday weekend when you're supposed to be having fun, enjoying time with your family," he said.
The boat drivers were both arrested.
KPRC reported that Kyle MacMeekin was charged with boating while intoxicated and his bond was set at $3,000. Anniboli was also charged with boating while intoxicated, but his bond was only $1,000. Both men reportedly posted bond and were released.
Rosario reminded boaters to always wear a life jacket and not to drive a boat while intoxicated.
He told KPRC, "A lot of people don't realize when they're too intoxicated to operate a vessel," Rosario said. "Drink responsibly. Be sensible. Be safe. Have a designated driver … If you're drinking, put on your lifejacket just in case you accidentally fall overboard."
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The incident drew criticism from the public.
Many commented on the Facebook post from law enforcement, wondering why the new mom wasn't wearing a life jacket.
One person wrote: "Yeah, unfortunately she was probably drinking maybe too much too.. We can probably know that this was an accident..And still way too many people don't take wearing a life jacket seriously.. then this happens . No one wants these things to happen. My heart breaks for everyone, her family & friends.. May she rest in peace… "
Another person had some compassion and wrote: "I know you shouldn't drink when boating, but I feel sorry that her brother was one of the boats passengers. This will bother him forever. It's a shame she didn't have a life jacket on. My condolences to her family. My mother died on July 4..and it changed that holiday for ever."
Jerri MacMeekin and her husband shared a young daughter.
According to a Facebook post from her mother-in-law, Shannon MacMeekin, Brandon and Jerri MacKeekin welcomed their daughter Georgia Grace on December 14, 2023. The couple announced their pregnancy in June 2023.
Jerri MacMeekin wrote on Facebook, "Our sweet rainbow baby is making its debut into the world December 2023! Truly the best Christmas gift I could ever ask for! (If you know me you know I lovvvvveeeee Christmas time). Our hearts have never been more full, our smiles have never been bigger, we couldn't be more grateful for this precious gift! Gods timing is always perfect."
