“An exhaustive investigation utilizing nationally recognized experts found that a unique combination of circumstances caused this tragedy,” Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice stated.
Three children, 8-year-old Victoria Gaines, 11-year-old Harlie Treanor and 12-year-old David Aureliano, were killed. Investigators said they were trapped in the boat’s cabin when it capsized.
In January, Rice ruled out criminal charges against the owner and operator. The county didn’t state the cause of the accident until now.
The attorney for the owner said there were “contributing factors” not cited by the DA that can be explored in expected civil litigation.
