GLOUCESTER, Va. (WAVY) — A 16-year-old Gloucester High School student died after a boating accident Sunday on the York River.
Virginia Marine Police say the crash around 2:30 p.m. off the shores of Machicomoco State Park, and involved a jet ski and a pontoon boat. 10 On Your Side has learned the boy’s name is Brycen Wermter.
WAVY News 10’s Andy Fox confirmed with the Virginia Marine Resources Commission Monday that the teen’s stepfather was operating the pontoon boat at the time the accident happened.
“His personal watercraft struck the pontoon boat that was operating close by,” said Zach Widgeon, a spokesperson for the Virginia Marine Police. “The 16-year-old operator, after striking the pontoon boat went underneath the pontoon boat, was injured, and was retrieved out of the water by the occupants of the pontoon boat.”
The occupants on that boat were related to the teen.
“The pontoon boat was being operated by his stepfather, and his biological mother was on the vessel as well,” Widgeon said.
Family members who were on the pontoon boat pulled the teen from the water after he went under, VMRC confirmed.
Frantically, those on the pontoon boat carried their precious cargo down river to the Gloucester Point boat ramp, where he was pronounced dead.
Widgeon said they attempted to do CPR on the teen as they were coming into Gloucester Point, where emergency personnel were waiting.
“When they arrived at Gloucester Point, the Gloucester County Volunteer Fire and Rescue did render aid and services,” Widgeon said, “but the juvenile was declared deceased after some time.”
Wermter was a football player for the Gloucester High School Dukes.
The team’s Facebook page says Wermter was remembered Sunday night by the team’s players and coaches.
“He always had a smile on his face, and that’s what they will remember most,” it said on the Facebook page. “That bright smile, and he was a great guy.”
The crash is still under investigation at this time, but authorities say no charges are pending and alcohol is not believed to be a factor.
“The Virginia Marine Police extends its deepest sympathy to the family of the victim and all involved,” it said in a news release. “More information will be released once the investigation has completed.”
A GoFundMe has been created to help the teen’s family during this tragic time.
