DNR releases names in Lanier boating crash that injured two

ATLANTA - The Department of Natural Resources has released the identities of those involved in a boating incident that injured two people on Lake Lanier near Old Federal Park a week ago.

A DNR spokeswoman said the collision happened around midnight Friday, May 24. Hall County authorities reported to DNR rangers that a Sea-Doo jet boat had been struck by another vessel. The report indicated the Sea-Doo was taking on water and the two people on board needed help.

Both the operator of the Sea-Doo, identified as Trent Dewberry of Powder Springs, and his passenger, Katherine Sonday, were taken to Northeast Georgia Medical Center for treatment. Dewberry received numerous facial fractures which required surgery, according to the report. Sonday reportedly suffered a broken left foot and hand, and she received facial injuries, as well.

The DNR identified the driver of the boat that struck the Sea-Doo as 18-year-old Mitchell Durbin of Flowery Branch. Durbin left the scene of the crash that night, but he turned himself in the following evening and made a written statement to DNR Law Enforcement.

Durbin's boat was impounded. DNR said there was a 16-year-old passenger on the boat, but the passenger was not identified because of that person's age.

The report indicated that alcohol does not appear to have been a factor in the crash.

Investigators right now are working to re-create the crash incident. They said they will present their findings to the Hall County District Attorney's Office and it will be up to prosecutors to determine if charges will be filed.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2013/5/262074