A 24-year-old former star soccer player at Union College, Elizabeth Dankert, died late Wednesday night after a boat crash near Logan International Airport in Boston. Authorities allege the vessel was taken without permission from the Freedom Boat Club in the Seaport District. The boat, operated by Lawrence Shieh, 40, struck a pier and ejected all four occupants onto rocky shoreline, officials said. Dankert suffered fatal injuries and died at Massachusetts General Hospital, while the three other passengers sustained less serious injuries. The crash occurred under 'difficult conditions,' including darkness and slippery rocks, according to Boston Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
Investigation Underway
Massachusetts State Police and the Suffolk District Attorney’s Office are investigating the circumstances. The Freedom Boat Club, which owns the vessel, confirmed it was taken without authorization after business hours. No charges have been filed as of Thursday. Union College released a statement mourning Dankert, calling her 'an exceptional student-athlete' whose death is a 'profound loss' for the campus community.
Context and Background
Dankert, a 2020 graduate of Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, was identified by authorities as the victim. The crash site, near Runway 4R, is a high-traffic area for maritime and aviation activity. EMS personnel described the rescue efforts as challenging due to the hazardous conditions. The incident has raised questions about security measures at the boat club and the risks of unauthorized vessel use in urban waterways.