Boat Crash Victim Identified As AACC Lacrosse Player: Officials

ARNOLD, MD — An Anne Arundel Community College men's lacrosse player died recently after a Shady Side boat crash, the school announced Monday night.

“It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of AACC lacrosse player, Nick Barton,” College President Dawn Lindsay said in a press release. “On behalf of the entire college, I want to extend condolences to his family, friends and all of the Riverhawk community.”

AACC Career

Barton was 21. After graduating from South River High School, he played three seasons for the Riverhawks.

The Crofton native played in 29 career games, tallying 39 goals and nine assists. Barton scored a career-high six goals against Jefferson Community College on March 8, 2020. He played in 12 games this year, posting a pair of hat tricks on the season.

The midfielder was also a Dean’s List student. He twice made the AACC Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.

“Nick was a great player, but that’s not what’s important,” Men’s Lacrosse Head Coach Joe Stanilaus said in the release. “In the three years that I was blessed to know him, he made huge strides in the classroom. Nick made everyone around him better, myself included. I am so grateful our paths crossed. We will forever miss his presence, but will never forget the leader he was becoming.”

The Crash

The wreck happened Saturday in the West River. A white center console boat hit a channel piling near Parish Creek around 6 p.m., the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police said.

Authorities said the collision caused all six occupants to fall into the water.

One boater, later identified as Barton, did not resurface. Divers and officers searched the area and eventually found Barton dead in the water, police said.

The collision is still under investigation.

The U.S. Coast Guard, the Anne Arundel County Fire Department and the Maryland State Police were also on the scene.

“Our hearts are broken over the passing of Nick Barton,” AACC Athletic Director Duane Herr said in the release. “Nick was a bright spot within the Riverhawk Athletics community who left a lasting impression on everyone he met. It was a privilege watching him grow and flourish over the last three years. Our sincere condolences go to his family, friends, teammates and coaches.”

AACC is offering in-person and remote counseling services to students. To make an appointment, email counseling@aacc.edu or call (410) 777-7111. A counselor will respond as soon as possible.

Related: Shady Side Boat Crash Leaves 1 Dead, 1 Hospitalized: Report