Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Charleston County man charged in fatal boat crash on Shem Creek

21-year-old Evan Tavel of Charleston County is charged with involuntary manslaughter following a late April boat crash on Shem Creek.
Charleston County
21-year-old Evan Tavel of Charleston County is charged with involuntary manslaughter following a late April boat crash on Shem Creek.

The late April crash crash killed 19-year-old Evan Greenleigh of Maryland.

Edward Tavel III, 21, of Charleston County is charged with involuntary manslaughter following a fatal boat crash on Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant.

The crash, in late April, killed 19-year-old Evan Greenleigh of Maryland.

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) says Tavel failed to spot a floating dock. Investigators say five passengers, including Tavel, were at the front of the boat when it crashed—significantly blocking Tavel's line of sight.

The investigation also found that Tavel was driving a boat that had a maximum capacity of four passengers. Seven people were on board. The other passengers were taken to the hospital for treatment.

Additionally, investigators say, Tavel had consumed alcohol earlier in the day, but a blood draw at the hospital came back negative.