MEC&F Expert Engineers : Thomas Burns, of Grand Forks, charged in drunken boat crash that killed MN woman

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Thomas Burns, of Grand Forks, charged in drunken boat crash that killed MN woman


Driver charged in boat crash that killed MN woman
Associated Press, Associated Press 8:30 a.m. EDT August 27, 2015



(Photo: Devils Lake Journali-KVLY)


DEVILS LAKE, N.D. - Criminal charges have been filed against a North Dakota man who was driving a boat that was involved in a fatal crash earlier this month.



KZZY-FM reports authorities allege Thomas Burns, of Grand Forks, was intoxicated during the early hours of Aug. 9, when he was driving a boat on Devils Lake that struck a tree about 30 yards from shore while traveling at over 30 mph.



Burns has been charged with felony manslaughter, felony reckless endangerment and boating under the influence.



Twenty-six-year-old April Stenger, of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, was killed. Three other passengers were injured in the crash.



Authorities say Burns registered a blood alcohol level that was more than double the legal limit.



The station reports Burns was arrested Wednesday. Court records don't list an attorney for Burns.