How many people died in the Connecticut River boat crash?

Three people, Christopher Hallahan, Ryan Britagna, and Ian Duchemin, died as a result of the boat crash.

When must Clayton Hackling decide on his plea deal for the fatal boat crash?

Clayton Hackling must make his decision regarding the plea deal by his next court date on March 23.

Home / Crime and Justice / CT Man Faces 15 Years for Fatal Drunken Boat Crash

CT Man Faces 15 Years for Fatal Drunken Boat Crash

Q: What plea deal was offered to Clayton Hackling for the Connecticut boat crash?

Clayton Hackling was offered a 30-year sentence, suspended after 15 years, with five years of probation.

22 Jan

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Summary

Plea deal offers 30 years, suspended after 15, for fatal boat crash.
Suspect's BAC was 0.17%, more than double the legal limit.
Three victims died, six others injured in the September 2024 crash.

CT Man Faces 15 Years for Fatal Drunken Boat Crash

Clayton Hackling, 27, faces a potential 15-year prison sentence following a drunken boat crash that claimed three lives. He was offered a 30-year sentence, suspended after 15 years, with five years of probation, for a September 2, 2024 incident. The crash occurred at the mouth of the Connecticut River in Old Saybrook, with Hackling allegedly intoxicated.

Investigators reported Hackling's blood alcohol level at 0.17% during the collision. The victims were identified as Christopher Hallahan, Ryan Britagna, and Ian Duchemin. Six other individuals sustained injuries in the accident. Hackling is currently free on a $350,000 bond while awaiting his decision on the plea deal.

The fatal crash details emerged from an affidavit, with emergency services responding to a crash detection alert. Victims were found in the water without flotation devices. Hallahan was found deceased at the scene, while Duchemin and Britagna were recovered days later, with autopsies indicating drowning and blunt force trauma, respectively.