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Suspect In Fatal Boat Crash Released Pending Toxicology Results

PORT HURON TWP. (WWJ) - A man who police say was intoxicated when he crashed his speedboat into another boat, killing two people and injuring three others, has been released from custody.

The St. Clair County Prosecutor's Office said the 32-year-old Chesterfield Township man was released pending toxicology results from the Michigan State Police Crime Lab and final results of the accident investigation from the sheriff's office.

The crash occurred about 6:45 p.m. Sunday on the South Channel of the St. Clair River off Harsens Island. Alcohol appears to be a factor in the crash, according to police.

The Chesterfield Township man is accused of driving his 25 foot Baja boat and striking a cabin cruiser broadside. Two people on the cabin cruiser, 57-year-old Robert Koontz of Chesterfield Township and 68-year-old Nancy Axford of Winnipeg, Manitoba, were killed. Three others on the cabin cruiser were injured.

No injuries were sustained by the three people aboard the Baja boat.

Harsens Island is in Lake St. Clair at south end of the St. Clair River, about 50 miles northeast of Detroit.

MORE: 2 Dead, 3 Hospitalized After Boating Accident In Lake St. Clair

Boater Held On Alcohol Charge After Crash Kills Two

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