Unexpected Turn By 'Repeat Offender' Led To Point Pleasant Grand Prix Fatal: Prosecutor's Office

Authorities don't know why the powerboat "Repeat Offender" turned directly in front of another boat in the Point Pleasant Beach Grand Prix on Saturday afternoon.

But the turn was the cause of a fatal crash that took the life of a Lacey Township man and severely injured another, said Al Della Fave, spokesman for the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office.

Both the "Repeat Offender" and the powerboat "Smith Brothers" were racing around the 4.5-mile rectangular course at 12:55 p.m., shortly after the race began, he said.

Read more: Victim ID'd After 1 Killed, 2 Severely Hurt At Point Pleasant Beach Boat Race: Officials

The "Smith Brothers," operated by Peter Smith, 50, Riverton, and his brother Richard Smith, 53, of Souderton, Pennsylvania, who was at the throttle, struck "Repeat Offender" while in a turn, Della Fave said.

"Repeat Offender," operated by driver James Byrne, 35, of Nutley, and David Raabe, 38, of Forked River, who was at the throttle, were also racing when for an "unknown reason" the vessel crossed directly in front of the Smith Brothers vessel, causing the collision, Della Fave said.

The crash occurred during the first lap of seven while in the first turn at the second of three water buoys. The buoys navigate the boats through their turn, he said.

When the boats collided, both occupants on "Smith Brothers" were ejected. The vessel sank and has not yet been recovered. Both brothers refused medical attention. But they were transported to Ocean Care Center, where they each consented to a provide blood samples.

Both Raabe and Byrne were stuck by the hull of the Smith Brothers boat as it passed over the top of them. Both men were wearing full helmets. Raabe sustained serious head injuries and was pronounced dead at 1:22 p.m. Byrne suffered serious injuries and was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center where he is listed in critical condition, Della Fave said.

Byrne's injuries prevented him from providing a statement as to why the vessel turned in front of the Smith vessel. Both Smith brothers provided a taped statement at the Point Pleasant Beach Police Department, he said.

Detective Michael Proto of the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office is the accident's lead investigator. The Ocean County Sheriff Department CSI responded to the U.S. Coast Guard Station to photograph the vessel and document damage associated with the accident.

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