Fatal Speed Boat Race at Watson's Pond: Victims Identified

TAUNTON, MA — Authorities on Monday identified a speed boat racer who was killed in a horrific crash during an organized event at Watson's Pond in Taunton Saturday.

Mark Greene, 39, of Moultonborough, New Hampshire, was pronounced dead at the scene of the Bill Giles Memorial Regatta. Another racer, Stephen Joy, 67, of Bangor, Maine, was critically injured and was fighting for his life at a Rhode Island hospital Monday, authorities said. A third racer, Alex Poliakoff, 72, of Richmond, Maine, suffered minor injuries.

Authorities said the Poliakoff was going 65 mph when he spun out. Greene crashed into his boat and then Joy crashed into Greene, according to Taunton Fire Chief Chief Timothy Bradshaw.

"The collision caused all three drivers to be ejected from their boats," Bradshaw said in a statement. "Within minutes, Taunton Fire Dive Team and rescue swimmers had all three victims out of the water."

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn said Monday no foul play is suspected.

It's not the first time a racer was killed at the annual regatta. In 2012, a Walpole man was killed when his boat flipped.

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