UMVA has learned that a tragic boat crash in Massachusetts has claimed the life of a 24-year-old former student-athlete, leaving a community in shock and mourning.
The incident occurred when Elizabeth "Lizzie" Dankert, a former soccer player at Union College, and her friends allegedly took a vessel without authorization from the Freedom Boat Club in Boston's Seaport District. According to eyewitness accounts, the group boarded the boat after the club had closed, ignoring protocols and established guidelines for accessing the vessel.
The boat crashed into a pier near a runway at Logan International Airport around 11:30 p.m. on the night of the incident, resulting in a chaotic and challenging rescue operation. Boston EMS and Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) fire crews worked tirelessly to extricate four people from the rocks, including one critically injured patient, Dankert.
Despite their efforts, Dankert succumbed to her injuries, leaving behind a trail of heartbreak and devastation. The three other individuals on board, including the boat's driver, Lawrence Shieh, 40, and two of Dankert's friends, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to Massachusetts General Hospital for treatment.
As the investigation into the crash continues, the community is left to grapple with the loss of a talented and promising young athlete. Union College has released a statement expressing their condolences and acknowledging Dankert's significant impact on the campus community.
The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office is leading the investigation, with authorities working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. As the details of the case unfold, one thing is clear: the loss of Elizabeth "Lizzie" Dankert will be deeply felt by all who knew her.
