DRUNK BOATER WAS ALLEGEDLY DANCING BEFORE CRASH THAT KILLED COLLEGE SOCCER PLAYER

BOSTON — Newly released evidence is shedding light on the moments before a boating crash that claimed the life of 24-year-old Elizabeth “Lizzie” Dankert, a college soccer player who was killed when a vessel struck a pier near Boston Logan International Airport.

Lawrence Shieh, 40, has been indicted in connection with the May 13 crash, facing charges including involuntary manslaughter, operating a boat while intoxicated causing death and serious bodily injury, using a boat without authority and violating a Logan Airport security zone.

INVESTIGATORS SAY HE WAS DANCING BEFORE THE CRASH

According to the Commonwealth’s Statement of the Case, investigators recovered videos recorded aboard the boat.

The footage allegedly showed Shieh dancing with Dankert and two other women during the trip. In another moment, investigators say he was seen with his hands off the steering wheel just seconds before the crash.

Authorities believe the boat was traveling at approximately 36 mph when it struck the end of a pier near an airport runway.

Dankert suffered fatal blunt-force injuries after striking her head. The other two passengers and Shieh survived with non-life-threatening injuries.

PROSECUTORS SAY SHIEH HAD BEEN DRINKING

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office alleges Shieh had spent the evening visiting several bars in Boston’s Seaport district and consumed approximately seven alcoholic drinks.

He later went to another bar, where he encountered Dankert and two friends and offered them a ride aboard a boat.

After accessing a marina using a key, Shieh allegedly took control of one of the boat club’s vessels despite club rules prohibiting nighttime boating. The group reportedly left the marina at around 10:30 p.m.

After the crash, Shieh’s blood alcohol level was reportedly 0.20, more than twice Massachusetts’ legal limit for operating a boat while intoxicated.

LIZZIE DANKERT’S LIFE

Dankert was a graduate of Union College in New York, where she studied English and played soccer.

She was also known for tutoring fellow students, according to Union Athletics. Her death has left friends and family mourning a young woman whose life and athletic career were cut short.

SHIEH REMAINS OUT ON BAIL

Following his indictment, Shieh’s bail was set at $25,000 with conditions.

He has been prohibited from operating boats and consuming alcohol while the case proceeds.

His next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 8. The charges remain allegations, and Shieh is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

THE FINAL MOMENTS UNDER SCRUTINY

For investigators and prosecutors, the videos recovered from the boat could become important evidence in determining what happened in the final moments before the collision.

A night that began with drinks and a boat ride ended with a devastating crash near one of Boston’s busiest airports — and the loss of a 24-year-old college athlete.

Now, prosecutors are building their case around what they say happened aboard the vessel in the minutes before it slammed into the pier.