College Freshman Pleads Not Guilty In Fatal Cape Cod Boat Crash

BARNSTABLE, MA — The boat operator in this summer's fatal crash in Sesuit Harbor in Dennis has pleaded not guilty during an arraignment in Barnstable Superior Court on Tuesday.

David K. Sullivan, a 19-year-old freshman at Dartmouth College from Medfield, Mass., is alleged to have been under the influence of alcohol when he crashed a boat in Cape Cod this summer. Sadie Mauro, a 17-year-old Dover-Sherborn lacrosse standout, died in the accident.

Sullivan was recently indicted on charges of death of a person caused by operating a vessel/boat under the influence of intoxicating liquor, possessing false RMV documents, minor in possession of alcohol, operation of a vessel while under the influence of liquor causing serious bodily injury and reckless or negligent operation of a vessel causing death.

On Tuesday, he entered the not guilty plea and was released on bail and required to surrender his passport. Another court date has been set for December.

The Dennis Police Department received a call at 9:01 p.m. on July 21 that a boat crashed into a jetty in Sesuit Harbor in Dennis. Police learned that Mauro was unaccounted for, and Dennis Fire-Rescue crew and a Barnstable County Dive team pulled her body from the water later that night.

The Cape & Islands District Attorney said six people were on the boat at the time of the crash, including Mauro. Two others were injured.

After it was determined that Mauro, who was committed to play lacrosse at Gettysburg College, had died, school officials sent a letter to families and staff.

"Sadie's smile could light up a room, she had a heart of gold and the sweetest spirit," wrote Principal John Smith. "She had such a strong sense of self and had a love for adventure and anything outdoors. A hardworking student and great athlete, Sadie was genuine and effortlessly kind."