Brunswick man charged in 2020 triple-fatal boating accident sentenced on Friday
A Shallotte man will spend at least 12 years in prison for his role in a boating accident that left three people dead in 2020.
Matthew Ferster was charged with six crimes in connection with the March 29, 2020, triple-fatal collision on the Waccamaw River that left Garrett Smith, 21, Jennifer Hayes, 37, and Megan Lynn, 21, dead. Ferster faced three counts of second-degree murder and three counts of felony death by impaired boating in connection with the incident.
Ferster was set to face a jury trial on Aug. 28, but instead pleaded guilty to three counts of felony death by impaired boating as part of a plea arrangement with the state.
In Brunswick County Superior Court Friday, Brunswick County Superior Court Judge Jason Disbrow sentenced Ferster to three consecutive sentences of 51 to 74 months in prison.
Family members testify in court
Ahead of the sentencing, family members of the three victims took to the stand to share the impact Ferster's actions in March 2020 had on them and their loved ones.
Katherine Hayes, sister of victim Jennifer Hayes, described Jennifer as a loving, hardworking mother of three. Katherine Hayes said Jennifer was in school studying to become a nurse at the time of her death.
Katherine Hayes said she and Jennifer had been close growing up and as adults, and there isn't a moment that passes that she doesn't think of her sister.
"I can't forgive you," Katherine Hayes said.
Jennifer's three children -- two daughters and a son -- were present in court Friday. Her oldest daughter, Madisyn Reynolds, took the stand and spoke of the hurt and heartache she and her siblings have lived with for the last three and a half years.
"You took my mommy from me," she said.
Reynolds was 17 years old when her mother was killed.
Lauren Lynn, Megan Lynn's older sister, told the court Megan was a mother to two twin sons and described the incident as the worst tragedy she and her family have experienced.
Lauren Lynn said Megan and Smith were in a romantic relationship and looking forward to spending the rest of their lives together, a fate they won't experience now.
"I lost my best friend that day and it has forever changed me," she said.
Smith's parents, Chris Smith and Kelli Barnes, took the stand and said their son was a "good, compassionate" person. Now, all they have left of him are his things, pictures and memories, Barnes said.
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According to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, the three victims were passengers on a boat driven by Travis Suggs. Suggs, of Tabor City, and another person on his boat suffered minor injuries. Ferster drove the other boat involved in the incident, officials said. He and the single other passenger on his boat were not injured in the crash.
Following the incident, Suggs and Ferster were charged with operating a boat while impaired.
Ferster was taken into custody Friday by the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office.
Jamey Cross covers Brunswick County for the StarNews. Reach her at jbcross@gannett.com or message her on Twitter @jameybcross.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Shallotte man charged in triple-fatal boat crash sentenced to prison
