A new mother was killed in a tragic Fourth of July boating accident in Texas — and her brother-in-law and another boater are both facing charges of operating while intoxicated.
Authorities in Willis, Texas, said 31-year-old Jerri MacMeekin fell off the back of a boat being piloted by Kyle MacMeekin and drowned in Lake Conroe at around 9 p.m. on Thursday after it collided with a second vessel.
The second boat was being operated by Shane Anniboli, 44.
Both MacMeekin and Anniboli have been charged with boating while intoxicated. Neither could be reached for comment Saturday.
Police said Jerri MacMeekin did not have a life preserver on at the time of the accident.
Her body was located more than two hours after she first went overboard.
Three people went into the water after her, but could not rescue Jerrie, according to authorities.
Jerri and Brandon MacMeeken married in Dallas in March 2021. In June, Jerri shared her joy on Facebook about being pregnant with a “rainbow baby” — a child born after miscarriage or the loss of a newborn.
She gave birth to her daughter in December — meaning her little girl was just a few months old when her mother died.
“We never enjoy pulling people out of the water, especially on a holiday weekend when you’re supposed to be having fun, enjoying time with your family,” Montgomery County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office Capt. Miguel Rosario told local reporters.