The drivers of both boats involved in Sunday’s fatal collision have been charged with boating while intoxicated, officials said.
According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, which is handling the investigation, Steven Mayo, 54, and Tony Starrett, 46, were operating two boats that collided on the Des Moines River just before 7 p.m. on Father’s Day.
Mayo’s blood alcohol level was .129, while Starrett’s was .172, said DNR spokesman Kevin Baskins. The legal blood alcohol limit for boating in Iowa is .08.
The accident happened upstream from Birdland Marina on Des Moines’ north side, not far from North High School. The two boats apparently were traveling in opposite directions between the Sixth Avenue and Second Avenue bridges.
Authorities tested both Mayo’s and Starrett’s blood alcohol levels following the crash, but results were not available Monday morning.
Kelly Starrett, 49, was taken to a Des Moines hospital where he was pronounced dead.
