Vass man facing charges in boating crash that killed 10-year-old, injured school worker

A 40-year-old man from Vass is facing multiple felony charges after reportedly driving a boat into a group of swimmers on Harris Lake over the weekend, killing a child and seriously injuring another person, according to authorities.

Quinten Gregory Kight was arrested early Sunday morning and officially charged with impaired boating, reckless operation, and causing serious injury by impaired boating.

Harris Lake is a large reservoir located in southeastern Chatham County, roughly 30 miles southwest of Raleigh. During the summer, it’s a popular spot for families to go boating, fishing, and swimming.

The crash occurred Saturday afternoon, when Kight allegedly struck two people with his boat while they were swimming near another boat. The victims were identified as Brooklyn Carroll, a rising fifth grader at West Lake Elementary School, and Jennifer Stehle, a school social worker.

Carroll was pronounced dead at the scene. Stehle sustained critical injuries and later underwent a leg amputation, according to court officials.

Chatham County District Attorney Jeff Nieman said Monday that investigators discovered 39 empty beer cans aboard Kight’s boat following the crash.

Kight was allegedly looking backward toward a tube he was towing at the time of the incident. Investigators report that Knight allegedly tried to dispose of the alcohol containers after the incident.

According to online court documents, Kight also has a pending charge in Moore County stemming from a December 2023 incident in which he was accused of felony hit and run causing injuries. 

The boating crash has left the West Lake Elementary School community in mourning. A fundraiser has been started for Brooklyn Mae’s parents. 

“BB was a light in every room she entered, with an infectious smile, a loving heart, and a spirit that touched everyone who knew her. Her laughter, kindness, and energy brought so much joy to her family and friends,” writes family member Sarah Hammond. “Now, her parents—Kim and Matt—are facing every parent’s worst nightmare.” 

Kight is being held on a $500,000 secured bond. 

Defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Photo via Chatham County Sheriff’s Office.