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DEP Identifies Boat Crash Victims

Woman Killed, Three Injured By Runaway Powerboat

POSTED: 12:02 pm EDT July 10, 2007

State authorities identified the woman killed and the three people injured in a boat crash over the weekend.

Department of Environmental Protection authorities identified the woman as Susan Brandes, 53, of South Windsor.

Brandes was killed when the sailboat in which she was riding with three others was struck by a runaway powerboat on Sunday afternoon. Investigators said they believe the powerboat slammed into the sailboat, killing Brandes and injuring three others, one of whom lost an arm to the propeller.

DEP identified a man who were injured in the crash as Leland Brandes, 69, of South Windsor, who was the victim's husband. He was transported by LifeStar to Yale-New Haven Hospital, where he remains in fair condition.

Joan Spector, 61, of Monroe, was also transported by LifeStar to the St. Raphael's Hospital, where she remains in fair condition.

Franklin Spector, 61, of Monroe, who was treated and released from the Shoreline Medical Center.

The powerboat's operator, Gregory Siege, 44, of Madison, was released on a promise to appear in court next week on charges of one count of first-degree reckless operation of a vessel while intoxicated.

Video captured by Jonathan Tautic, of Suffield, showed the powerboat going around in circles with no one at the controls. DEP officials said they believe Siege was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash.

Siege could face additional charges, including federal charges.

If you have information regarding this investigation, the DEP Boating Accident Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate. You can contact state authorities by dialing 860-424-3333.

Click here to e-mail news tips to Eyewitness News, or dial: 860-244-1700.
Refresh WFSB.com often and Channel 3 Eyewitness News for the latest news updates.


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