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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced Thursday that a man has been charged in connection with a deadly boat crash that happened near the Howard Frankland Bridge a year ago.
FWC officers said Travis Stewart turned himself in on July 2.
According to investigators, Stewart was operating a 20-foot boat across Old Tampa Bay with Jonathan Boucvalt aboard in July 2024 when he struck a barge near the bridge.
Boucvalt died after he fell into the water. His body was later found.
FWC said Stewart had left the scene of the crash and was operating under the influence at the time of the incident.
“The hard work and diligence of our investigators, partner agencies, and the State Attorney’s Office has brought justice to those impacted by this incident,” said FWC Southwest Regional Commander Major Evan Laskowski.
Stewart was charged with vessel homicide, BUI manslaughter, and 3 counts of violating a navigation rule resulting in serious bodily injury or death, the FWC said.
“The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Jonathan Boucvalt, as well as to all those affected by this incident,” FWC said in a news release.