According to the St. Pete Times report released on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 6:40pm, there has been new evidence regarding all of the events that day that led up to the Labor Day weekend boat crash into a channel marker that killed 29-year-old Joshua Griffin. The evidence suggests that the driver of the boat, Joshua’s brother Jeffrey Griffin, was severely drunk and under the influence of alcohol.  Five months after the accident occurred, Jeffrey was charged with manslaughter.

Witnesses reported that the brothers along with Denelle Walicke, 25 were “bar hopping” all day and drinking excessively while boating along the channel of the Pithlachascotee River.

This is such a sad news story to hear. It is very common for young people to celebrate long weekends and go out on boats and to party. We have one key suggestion for all: if you are going to be out and about this coming Memorial Day weekend – whether it be by boat or car – please have a designated driver.

We hope everyone has a safe and happy Memorial Day.