Sentence In Fatal Portland Boating Accident 'Does Not Feel Right,' Victim's Family Says: Report

PORTLAND, CT — A man responsible for a boat crash that led to the death of a man will serve a 90-day prison sentence, according to WTNH News-8.

Kerry Sheltra, 55, of Rocky Hill, was charged in 2023 with a single count of second-degree manslaughter, three counts of second-degree assault, and two counts of risk of injury to a minor.

Related: Rocky Hill Man Charged In Fatal Connecticut River Boat Crash

The arrest was tied to a boating crash on the Connecticut River in Portland. The accident resulted in the death of Wayne Hamler, 60, of Waterford.

Sheltra pleaded guilty to reckless manslaughter in October, according to WFSB 3-TV.

The three-year sentence suspended after 90 days "does not feel right with the harm that was caused,” the victim’s brother, Paul Hamler, said, according to WTNH News-8. There may have been alcohol involved in the crash, but prosecutors said the hospital failed to test Sheltra's blood for alcohol.

The accident occurred July 10, 2022, in the Connecticut River just north of Petzolds Marina, according to an incident report.

Eight people were on board a vessel being operated by Sheltra that collided with the shore. Hamler was pronounced dead at the scene, according to an incident report.

Two people on board sustained what EnCon police described as "serious life-altering injuries," and three others were treated for non-life-threatening injuries, according to an incident report.

Two of those on the boat were between the ages of six and 12.

At the time of the crash, DEEP officials said the 21-foot Yamaha jet craft "suddenly veered toward the shoreline," and the vessel "ultimately collided with rocks on the bank of the river."

All eight passengers were ejected from the boat due to the impact of the crash, DEEP officials said.