Myrtle Beach boater intoxicated, caused death of passenger when boat hit a dock, lawsuit says
The father of a Myrtle Beach man who was killed in a June boating accident has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the operator of the vehicle.
Paul Williams filed the suit Aug. 28 on behalf of his son, Jacob Williams, against Matthew Brown.
Williams, 24, was killed in the boating accident June 18 in the Socastee area. His body was recovered June 19 by a South Carolina Department of Natural Resources dive team, hours after he was reported missing.
An attorney for Brown was not listed in the suit and a phone number could not be located.
Kenneth Berger, attorney for Paul Williams, said Wednesday that ultimately the lawsuit is about accountability and getting more answers for the family. Brown needs to be held accountable both criminally and civilly in Jacob Williams’ death, Berger said.
The accident happened about 8:56 p.m. on the Intracoastal Waterway, according to the suit. The suit said that Brown consumed alcoholic beverages until he became intoxicated and then operated the boat with Williams and two other passengers on board. Brown struck a floating dock, causing Williams to be ejected from the boat, hit a portion of the dock and land in the waterway.
Brown, 26, of Myrtle Beach, was charged by SCDNR with felony boating under the influence and obstruction of justice.
In addition to the wrongful death, the suit alleges Brown was negligent prior to Williams’ death in his operation of the boat by being intoxicated, driving too fast for conditions and not maintaining a proper lookout.
The suit seeks punitive and actual damages.
