Mattituck Mourns Woman Killed In Boat Crash: Hearts 'Breaking'

MATTITUCK, NY — A community was cloaked in deep mourning Monday after the many who loved Kelley Blanchard, 27, learned that she had lost her life in a tragic boating crash in Mattituck Sunday night. Broken-hearted friends turned to social media to share their memories — and others reached out through a GoFundMe fundraiser to help her family, including her sister Megan, who was seriously injured in the crash.

Kelley, of Riverhead, died after the crash Sunday night. Authorities said the boat operator, Francesco Distefano, 48, of East Northport, was intoxicated when he crashed into a bulkhead fronting on Great Peconic Bay about 200 feet west of the entrance to James Creek.

Distefano was charged with boating while intoxicated. He and passengers Nick Soullas, 41, of Jamesport, and Megan Blanchard, 29, of New Suffolk, were all injured and remained hospitalized as of Monday afternoon, police said.

The GoFundMe page, "In Honor of Kelley Blanchard," was created by Elizabeth Bannon and as of Monday raised $1,923 of the $10,000 goal.

"Kelley Blanchard was in a tragic boat accident that resulted in her transition out of this world," a note on the fundraising page read. "Kelley was a one of a kind person with big energy and a big heart. We are helping to raise money for Kelley’s beloved family during this tragic time. Any amount helps."

Memories of Kelley's ready smile and kind heart echoed on Facebook.

"I have no words," one woman wrote. "This angel of a girl is gone."

"Our hearts are breaking," said Tess Bannon, whose son Nick Coutts was badly injured in a motorcycle crash this year. "Prayers needed for this family — they are our family. After Nick was in his accident both girls did so much with fundraising and support for our family; no one could ever repay the beautiful kids they always made sure to be. They were beyond community involved and always doing service for others. Megan needs healing prayers as much as you can muster right now."

Blanchard and her sister have long been familiar faces at Michelangelo's pizzeria, which Distefano owns, according to the New York Post.

Blanchard recently worked at Hellenic, where staff was left grieving.

"I am heartbroken," Lynn McCaffery Stevens wrote. "Kelley was one of a kind."

Blanchard was reportedly working at Riverhead Nissan in recent months.

"I worked with Kelly as a server at Hellenic and I can tell you, when you worked alongside Kelley there was never a bad day," Albie DeKerillis told Patch. "She was so full of life."

Added another friend, "This is so heartbreaking! Kelly was such a fun, sweet, always bubbly and loving person. Megan, our prayers are with you."

Distenfano was released on an appearance ticket and will be arraigned in Southold Town Justice Court later this month. Additional charges against him are expected.

Gina Lieneck, who lost her daughter Brianna in a horrific 2005 boating crash, crusaded tirelessly to pass legislation advocating for stricter boating laws in her child's name.

After Sunday's crash, she expressed her sadness over yet another tragedy on the water.

"My heart breaks for the family," Lieneck told Patch. "This is another sad and tragic day. As a boat owner it's your responsibility to assure the safety of passengers and fellow boaters. Legally as a state we have failed to put laws in place to protect and discourage anyone from drinking and operating a vessel. Our minimal sentencing is a joke."

Her hope, Lieneck said, is to see BWI legislation sponsored by Sen. Jim Gaughran passed.

"I am deeply saddened by last night’s boat crash," Gaughran said. "Alcohol is one of the leading causes of fatal boating accidents and we must crack down on these criminals who thoughtlessly endanger our waterways by drinking and boating. When the Legislature reconvenes in Albany, I am calling for swift passage of my bill to allow law enforcement to revoke a driver’s license following a BWI conviction. Drunk boaters who recklessly jeopardize the safety of others should not be allowed on our waterways or our roadways."