Dustin Daniel Healey, 26, has been charged with negligent operation of the boat
A Freehold man has been charged with negligence in a boating accident that killed a 9-year-old boy last summer in Maryland.
Kadin Frederick (File photo)Dustin Daniel Healey, 26, was operating a rented pontoon boat on Aug. 17 in Sinepuxent Bay in Ocean City, Md., when the boy fell from the boat and was struck by the propeller, police said.
The 9-year-old, Kadin Frederick, was one of four people sitting in front of the pontoon's safety railing with their legs dangling over the water, which is illegal in Maryland, police said.
Frederick slipped into the path of the propeller and, despite efforts to save him, died from multiple injuries.
Healey told investigators he knew the four people were sitting on the bow, but couldn't see Frederick from the controls, police said.
Healey will appear in a Maryland court Feb. 15.
Five charges were filed against the boat rental company and its owner last week, police said.
Rajeev Dhir may be reached at rdhir@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @googasmammoo. Find NJ.com on Facebook.