19-239 ***UPDATE*** Marine Unit Deputies Investigate Fatal Boat Crash In Madeira Beach
Boat Crash
*** UPDATE as of 4:30pm on September 9, 2019***
On September 9, 2019 at approximately 4:17 p.m., deputies arrested 35-year-old Jesse Mayer at his attorney’s office located at 5250 Ulmerton Road in Clearwater and transported him to the Pinellas County Jail without incident.
Mayer was charged with BUI Manslaughter, Vessel Homicide, Child Neglect, Reckless Operation of a Vessel, and Violation of Navigation Rules.
A booking photo was not available at the time of this release.
***END OF UPDATE***
***Original News Release***
Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
- Marine Unit
Jesse Mayer (Driver- Uninjured)
DOB: 06/12/1984
Vessel: 37 foot Center Console Freeman
Robert Krysztofowicz (Driver – Deceased)
DOB: 04/17/1963
Personal watercraft: Yamaha Jet Ski
What:
Deputies assigned to the Marine Unit are investigating a fatal vessel crash, after it struck a personal watercraft in Madeira Beach.
When:
The incident occurred at about 4:50 p.m. on Friday, August 30, 2019.
Where:
The incident occurred in the Intracoastal Waterway just north of the Tom Stuart Causeway in Madeira Beach.
Why/How:
According to deputies, at about 4:50 p.m. on Friday, August 30, 2019, 56-year-old Robert Krysztofowicz was operating a Yamaha jet ski, and was traveling northbound in the Intracoastal Waterway, just north of Tom Stuart Causeway in Madeira Beach.
Deputies say 35-year-old Jesse Mayer was operating a 37 foot Center Console Freeman vessel, and was also traveling northbound in the Intracoastal Waterway, just north of Tom Stuart Causeway in Madeira Beach.
During their investigation, deputies learned Mayer’s vessel was traveling at a high rate of speed through a slow wake zone and struck the rear of the Jet Ski driven by Krysztofowicz. Mayer’s vessel then traveled over the Jet Ski and Krysztofowicz, causing fatal injuries.
Krysztofowicz was brought to the Madeira Beach Marina located at 503 150th Avenue in Madeira Beach, and was pronounced deceased by deputies at the scene.
Speed and impairment appear to be factors in the crash.
Next of kin has been notified.
The investigation continues.
