Woman injured in deadly Harris Lake boat incident gives update on recovery: 'Full of gratitude'
PITTSBORO, N.C. (WTVD) -- ABC11 has learned that a grand jury in Chatham County has returned indictments on all charges, including second-degree murder for both defendants in the deadly boating crash on Harris Lake.
Quinten Kight, who was operating the boat, and his girlfriend, the boat's owner Annemarie Flanigan, are both facing charges.
Ten-year-old Brooklyn Mae Carroll was hit and killed by the boat while swimming in the lake, while 41-year-old Jennifer Stehle, a social worker with the Wake County school system, was severely injured.
Brooklyn's parents, Kim Cannon and Matt Carroll, reacted to the news of the indictments through their attorney, David Sherlin.
"We have been informed that two people have been charged with second-degree murder related to Brooklyn's tragic death. While we will not comment at this time on the senseless acts that took Brooklyn from us, we extend our sincere thanks to the law enforcement officials and the district attorney's office who have been diligently working on her case. We also wanted to again thank the community who continues to support our family in our deepest time of need. We miss Brooklyn more than words can express, and we will continue to find ways to celebrate her incredible life and the light that she brought to so many."
SEE ALSO | Court documents in Harris Lake tragedy say boat driver had 'strong odor of alcohol'
Jennifer Stehle released a statement Monday in conjunction with her husband, Justin, on how she is recovering.
"Our hearts are full of gratitude for the overwhelming support our family has received. The meals, visits, messages, and prayers have been more than acts of kindness. They have been lifelines holding us together during the most difficult days of our lives. We feel the strength of those prayers, and we seek God's goodness in the way this community has come together to lift our family up," the Stehles wrote. "Here, compassion reminds us that love and faith are stronger than fear and pain. We pray that God richly blesses every person who has offered a helping hand or a kind word. And we ask that you continue to pray for all involved as you walk this long road toward healing."
Also on Monday, ABC11 spoke with Stehle's sister and got an update on her recovery. She declined to go into specifics, citing her sister's condition could change at any hour -- only to say her sister is "stable."
Kristie Stehle said "heartbreaking" is too small a word to describe what happened at the lake on Aug. 2.
She said Jennifer is still recovering and navigating the sudden change this incident has had on her and the entire family.
"She won't be home for a long time. She's still in the hospital," Kristie Stehle said.
She also read to ABC11 a prepared statement, saying:
"This tragedy has left us forever changed. And while my family did everything they could to ensure a safe day on the water, someone else's reckless actions have caused unthinkable loss and heartache. Jennifer is stable. But her recovery will require time, strength, and the grace of God. We do not yet know all that her journey will hold, but we're praying for only good news and complete healing."
Doctors have since amputated Jennifer Stehle's left leg. Her family has vowed to use this personal experience to help the lives of other North Carolinians and advocate for boating and swimming safety.
"We will continue to seek change in North Carolina's boating laws to protect swimmers and families," Kristie Stehle said. "And we pray no one else will ever have to walk the road we're on today."
There's no immediate word on how long Jennifer Stehle's recovery will be.
"Our faith tells us that even in the darkest storms, the Lord is still in control," Kristie Stehle said. "Both families deserve peace, safety, and the freedom to enjoy the water without fear; not the pain and sorrow that have been placed upon us."
