Naples man facing charges in deadly 2013 boating accident

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla.- Florida Fish and Wildlife officials have arrested a Naples man for BUI manslaughter.

Authorities say 45-year-old Jeffrey Jackmack turned himself in after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Jackmack was the operator of a vessel involved in a fatal boating accident on June 2, 2013.

He was operating a 15-foot center console boat in Dollar Bay when the boat struck a channel marker head-on.

He and his two passengers were ejected from the boat.

One of the passengers, 64-year-old Neil Felder, died as a result of his injuries. The other two occupants were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The FWC worked with the State Attorney’s Office to investigate the accident and ultimately charge Jackmack. He was determined to have been impaired by alcohol and had recently used drugs at the time of the accident.

Jackmack was charged with BUI manslaughter, which is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

“Boating accidents like this one are avoidable and boaters need to do their part to protect themselves and others,” said Maj. Alfredo Escanio, FWC’s Regional Commander for the area.

FWC reminds boaters of the dangers of operating a vessel while impaired and encourages boaters to designate a sober operator. More information is available at MyFWC.com/Boating.