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.

Witnesses stated that Hackling took over the boat's operation and increased speed before the crash, disregarding navigation channels. The group had been on a day trip to Block Island, Rhode Island, prior to the accident. Hackling also sustained significant injuries in the crash.