A Massachusetts man faces multiple charges after prosecutors linked his alleged intoxication to a deadly Boston Harbor Crash. Authorities say Lawrence Shieh, 40, drove a boat without authorization before striking a Boston pier in May. The collision killed Elizabeth “Lizzie” Dankert, a 24-year-old former college soccer player, and injured three others.
According to Suffolk County prosecutors, Shieh spent the evening drinking with friends at several establishments in Boston’s Seaport District. Investigators later measured his blood-alcohol concentration at approximately .20, more than twice Massachusetts’ legal limit. Prosecutors therefore argue that alcohol significantly impaired his ability to operate the vessel safely.
The boat belonged to Freedom Boat Club and remained docked before Shieh allegedly took it without permission. Although Shieh reportedly held membership with the club, prosecutors said he lacked authorization to remove that particular vessel. Furthermore, investigators determined that the boat lacked exterior lighting when it entered Boston Harbor.
Prosecutors also reviewed cellphone footage that allegedly captured Shieh’s behavior shortly before the collision. According to District Attorney Kevin Hayden, the footage showed Shieh dancing while operating the boat and interacting with three women. Moreover, investigators said he removed both hands from the steering wheel approximately six seconds before impact.
The vessel subsequently struck Pier 4R near Logan International Airport at a reported speed of 36 mph. Investigators described that speed as dangerously excessive given the conditions and location. Data recovered from the boat’s navigation system reportedly helped investigators establish its speed immediately before impact.
Dankert suffered fatal blunt-force injuries during the collision, while two women and Shieh sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Dankert came from Andover and graduated from Union College in 2024 after playing soccer there. Her former college described her as an exceptional student-athlete who made a significant contribution throughout her university career.
Following the investigation, a Suffolk County grand jury indicted Shieh on several criminal charges. Those charges include involuntary manslaughter and operating a boat while intoxicated causing death. Prosecutors also charged him with two counts involving serious bodily injury, unauthorized boat use, and an airport security violation.
During his initial court appearance, authorities set Shieh’s cash bail at $25,000 with several conditions. He must avoid contact with female witnesses, Freedom Boat Club employees, and other individuals connected to proceedings. Additionally, prosecutors prohibited him from boating or consuming alcohol while the investigation continues.
Shieh’s attorney, Nick Pisegna, emphasized during the hearing that his client had no previous criminal record. The attorney also said Shieh had consistently attended required appointments following the deadly incident. Shieh later posted bail and left custody while awaiting further court proceedings.
The case has now moved toward pretrial proceedings, with Shieh scheduled to return to court October 8. Meanwhile, prosecutors continue pursuing allegations surrounding the fatal Boston Harbor Crash and its circumstances. The charges remain allegations, and Shieh remains entitled to the presumption of innocence unless prosecutors prove guilt in court.
The investigation highlights the potentially severe consequences of operating boats while intoxicated, particularly near heavily trafficked waterfront areas. Furthermore, prosecutors’ allegations emphasize concerns involving speed, impaired judgment, unauthorized vessel use, and unsafe operation. The upcoming hearing will provide the next significant step in the case against Shieh.
