Brooklyn Mae Carroll New Hill, NC Obituary and Cause of Death — The Shearon Harris Lake community is reeling after a devastating boating accident Saturday afternoon that left a 10-year-old girl dead and a woman critically injured. Authorities say the crash was caused by a boat operator under the influence of an impairing substance.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission confirmed that Quinten Gregory Kight, 40, of Vass, was driving a Tige Wake boat around 4:35 p.m. near the Cross Point Access Area when the boat struck a group of swimmers in the water. Kight has been charged with boating while impaired and felony marine-related charges.
According to arrest documents and Wildlife officials, the crash resulted in the death of Brooklyn Mae Carroll, a 10-year-old girl who had been swimming with others at the southern end of the reservoir. A woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, was also hit and sustained critical injuries, including the traumatic amputation of her left leg above the knee. She was airlifted to a nearby hospital.
“This was a heartbreaking accident, but one that was entirely preventable,” said Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson in a statement released Monday. “Alcohol was a factor, and the decision to operate a boat while impaired had devastating consequences.”
A Routine Day Turns Tragic
The incident occurred during what should have been a routine afternoon on the water. Witnesses say Kight was towing an inner tube with his boat when it drove directly through a group of three swimmers. After the crash, Kight reportedly returned to the Cross Point Access Area, where officers located him and initiated a sobriety investigation.
Although blood test results were still pending at the time of reporting, authorities cited clear indicators of impairment and moved quickly with charges. The boat involved in the crash is believed to belong to Kight’s girlfriend.
Brooklyn’s tragic death has sparked an outpouring of grief and calls for stricter boating safety enforcement across the state.
Remembering Brooklyn Mae Carroll
Brooklyn’s name has become the center of both mourning and community mobilization. A GoFundMe campaign launched shortly after the accident is helping support her family in the wake of the tragedy. The fundraiser, which has been shared widely across local groups including “What’s Happening Holly Springs,” aims to cover funeral costs and other immediate needs.
“Honoring her beautiful life,” reads the fundraiser’s description, “Brooklyn brought joy to everyone who knew her.”
Community members have responded in kind — offering condolences, sharing memories, and organizing support for the grieving family.
A Community in Mourning
On Sunday, as boaters returned to Shearon Harris Lake, the atmosphere was noticeably somber. Many expressed disbelief that such a devastating incident could occur in what is usually a peaceful and family-friendly environment.
“Drinking and driving a car is unacceptable, but on a boat, it’s even more reckless,” said Craig Schnier, a regular boater on the lake. “Boating is supposed to be about fun and family — this is just tragic.”
Others echoed the importance of water safety and situational awareness while operating recreational vessels.
“You’ve got to constantly scan the water,” added Mark Macchioni, another local boater. “Especially when people are tubing or swimming nearby. One mistake can change everything.”
The Shearon Harris Reservoir, spanning over 4,100 acres, is a popular destination for recreational boaters and families throughout Wake and Chatham Counties. The loss of a child under such circumstances has deeply shaken the tight-knit community that frequently gathers along its shores.
Legal Consequences and Prior Offenses
At a court appearance in Chatham County on Monday, prosecutors revealed that Kight had a prior DUI charge in New Mexico from 2009 and a pending felony hit-and-run case in Moore County.
He is currently being held on a $500,000 secured bond.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission continues to lead the investigation, supported by local sheriff’s departments and first responders who were praised for their swift action at the scene.
“We are grateful to the deputies, medical personnel, and rescuers who responded in an incredibly difficult situation,” Sheriff Roberson added.
A Preventable Tragedy, A Call to Action
As the investigation continues, law enforcement officials are using the incident to remind the public of the dangers of combining alcohol with watercraft operation. The consequences, as Sheriff Roberson emphasized, can be swift and irreversible.
“It only takes a moment for lives to be changed forever.”
Brooklyn’s death is not just a local tragedy — it’s a sobering reminder that impaired boating carries the same weight and risk as driving under the influence on the road.
How You Can Help
Supporters are encouraged to donate to the Brooklyn Mae Carroll Memorial Fund on GoFundMe:
🔗 https://gofund.me/0a1fd2ad
