Chatham County, NC – The serene waters of Shearon Harris Lake, a haven for families and boaters in Chatham County, turned into a scene of heartbreak on August 2, 2025, when a reckless act shattered lives. Quinten Gregory Kight, a 40-year-old man from Moore County, now faces felony charges after allegedly operating a boat while intoxicated, striking a group of swimmers, killing 10-year-old Brooklyn Mae Carroll, and leaving Jennifer Stehle, a school social worker, with life-altering injuries. The incident, described by authorities as preventable, has sparked outrage and calls for stricter boating safety measures.
It was a warm Saturday afternoon, just before 4:35 p.m., when the tragedy unfolded near the Cross Point Access Area. Brooklyn, a fifth-grader at West Lake Elementary in Cary, was swimming with her mother and Stehle, a social worker at the same school, as part of a group enjoying a day on the lake. According to investigators, Kight was piloting a Tige Wake Boat, pulling an inner tube, when he veered into the swimmers. Witnesses reported that Kight and others on the boat were distracted, looking backward at the tuber instead of scanning the water ahead. The boat’s propeller struck Brooklyn and Stehle, with devastating consequences. Brooklyn succumbed to her injuries, while Stehle, airlifted to a hospital, underwent an above-the-knee amputation of her left leg.
Chatham County District Attorney Jeff Nieman revealed chilling details during Kight’s court appearance on August 4. Investigators found 39 empty beer cans on Kight’s boat, with an additional 50 empty alcohol containers nearby, believed to belong to those on board. Authorities are awaiting blood test results, which could elevate Kight’s charges.
Kight, charged with felony boating while impaired, misdemeanor boating while impaired, and felony wildlife/boat/marine offense for unintentionally causing Brooklyn’s death, is no stranger to legal trouble. Court records show a 2009 DUI conviction in New Mexico and a pending 2023 hit-and-run charge in Moore County, where he allegedly struck a motorcyclist, leaving him with serious injuries. Despite this history, Kight was released on a $500,000 secured bond, with a court date set for August 20.
The tragedy has left the community reeling. A makeshift memorial at the Cross Point boat landing, adorned with candles, flowers, and balloons, stands as a somber tribute to Brooklyn, remembered as a bright and joyful child. Jennifer Stehle, described as a devoted wife, mother, and educator, faces a grueling recovery. A GoFundMe page launched for her family underscores the immense emotional and financial toll. “As Jennifer begins this difficult journey, her family—especially her husband, Justin—is doing everything they can to support her, but they need our help. The emotional and financial burden is immense, and any support will make a significant difference in her recovery process.” the fundraiser reads.
An online fundraiser was started Sunday for Brooklyn with a goal of $35,000 for the family. As of Monday evening, the GoFundMe was at $24,550.
“Our family experienced an unimaginable tragedy—the sudden and heartbreaking loss of our sweet Brooklyn Mae, just 10 years old,” the fundraiser says. “our family experienced an unimaginable tragedy—the sudden and heartbreaking loss of our sweet Brooklyn Mae, just 10 years old. “BB was a light in every room she entered, with an infectious smile, a loving heart, and a spirit that touched everyone who knew her. Her laughter, kindness, and energy brought so much joy to her family and friends.”
Chatham County sheriff Mike Roberson echoed the sentiment of preventability. In a statement, he noted:
“Our community is grieving the tragic loss of a 10-year-old child and the critical injury of a woman after they were struck by a boat at Harris Lake over the weekend.
While the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is leading the investigation, the Chatham County sheriff’s Office is assisting as needed and remains committed to supporting both our partners and the families affected. We are also working closely with the District Attorney’s Office as the case moves forward.
“This was a heartbreaking accident, but one that was preventable,” said Sheriff Mike Roberson. “Alcohol was a factor, and the decision to operate a boat while impaired had devastating consequences. We urge everyone to think twice before mixing alcohol with watercraft operation. It only takes a moment for lives to be changed forever.”
The Sheriff added, “We ask the public to keep the families and loved ones of those involved in your thoughts and prayers. We are also grateful to the deputies, first responders, and medical professionals who responded swiftly and courageously in an incredibly difficult situation.”