Long Island man indicted for boat crash while drunk, resulting in serious spinal injury to his fiancée.

A Mastic Beach man has been indicted on charges related to a serious boating accident that occurred over the Memorial Day weekend in the Hamptons. The incident reportedly left his fiancée with a significant spinal injury and endangered the lives of two young children onboard, as confirmed by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.

Edward Hillkewicz, 28 years old, is accused of operating a 33-foot vessel while under the influence of alcohol. Investigators allege that Hillkewicz was navigating the boat at a high speed when it collided with a jetty while crossing Peconic Bay, returning to Hampton Bays after a day of drinking in Greenport. The boat’s impact was severe, causing it to crash into the Shinnecock Canal wall and subsequently bounce off to strike another section of the jetty before finally running aground.

At the time of the crash, there were five passengers on the boat, including Hillkewicz’s fiancée, 28-year-old Brooke Skrocki, who reportedly sustained serious injuries. Following the incident, Skrocki was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital, where she underwent two surgical procedures on her spine and has since been transferred to a rehabilitation facility. Currently, she is facing significant challenges with limited movement from the waist down, as stated by authorities.

The other passengers, which included two young girls aged 2 and 6—who are Skrocki’s daughters—emerged from the incident with only minor injuries. Hillkewicz was arrested at the scene by Southampton Town Police and is facing a total of ten charges, among which are second-degree assault and operating a vessel while intoxicated with a child present.

A GoFundMe campaign has been established by Skrocki’s aunt to assist with her recovery journey, indicating that the road ahead will be challenging. Updates from family members suggest that while Skrocki has encountered setbacks, they remain hopeful for her recovery.

During his arraignment in Suffolk County Court, Hillkewicz pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and has been placed on supervised release. His next court date is set for September 4, where he could face a maximum sentence of seven years in prison if convicted of the most serious charge.

This tragic incident highlights the potential dangers associated with boating under the influence, particularly when minors are involved. As the case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the responsibility that comes with operating watercraft.