Ocean City Man Charged in Boy's Death from Boating Accident

OCEAN CITY, MD — Charges have been filed against an Ocean City watersports rental company and its owner in the wake of a boating accident that killed a 9-year-old Howell, New Jersey, boy last summer. OC Watersports LLC in Ocean City, MD, and owner Tyler Barnes, 33, have been charged by Maryland Natural Resources Police with five counts in the August incident that resulted in the death of Kaden Frederick.

Barnes was charged with negligent operation of a vessel, two counts of failing to have required safety equipment on board, renting a boat lacking proper equipment and failing to keep records, according to Maryland Natural Resources Police. A Worcester County District Court commissioner found probable cause on Wednesday and issued a criminal summons.

Barnes has a preliminary hearing set for Feb. 17 in Worcester County District Court. The cumulative pre-payable fine would be $640, officials said.

The accident happened Aug. 17, 2016, as the pontoon boat, which had 17 people on board including Frederick, was sailing on Sinepunxent Bay, just south of the Ocean City Inlet and near the northern end of Assateague State Park. Frederick was sitting on the bow of the pontoon boat, his legs dangling over the water, and lost his balance, Candy Thomson, spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, said at the time.

He was hit by the pontoon boat's propellor and died later at a hospital from his injuries, she said. The youth was not wearing a life jacket.

"He just lost his balance," Thomson said.

Frederick was one of four people sitting with their legs dangling from the front of the boat as it traveled in Sinepuxent Bay. Bow riding is illegal in Maryland.

A GoFundme campaign set up to assist the family remains active though it reached its goal. Read more here.

»Photo of Kaden Frederick, via Kaden Frederick Memorial Fund GoFundme campaign