Operator in deadly boat crash charged with BUI manslaughter

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News Release

Investigators with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) have charged the operator involved in last month's deadly boat crash on the Intracoastal Waterway in Palm Beach County with Boating under the Influence (BUI) manslaughter.

The felony charge comes after FWC investigators received the results of a blood test, taken from the operator following the accident. The results indicate the operator's blood alcohol levels were .137 and .132. The legal limit for blood alcohol level is .08.

Mandy J. Romeu (DOB 04/18/68) of Deerfield Beach was operating a 34-foot Donzi vessel when it crashed into a navigational marker in the Intracoastal Waterway in Delray Beach on May 8. The collision resulted in the death of Christopher P. Smith (DOB 06/20/78) of Boynton Beach, who was thrown from the boat and was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Smith's sister, Alexandra C. Smith (DOB 02/08/74) of Hudson, survived and was not injured. Romeu also survived and was not injured.

At the time of his arrest, Romeu was charged with vessel homicide, a felony. In addition, Romeu is now charged with BUI manslaughter.