Massachusetts

1 Arrested for Boating Under the Influence Following Jet Ski Crash; Teen's Body Recovered

A man has been arrested for allegedly boating under the influence after two jet skis collided on the Merrimack River in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, on Sunday, killing a 16-year-old Lowell girl. 

Police say 32-year-old Lowell resident Douglas DeMatos was arrested for numerous charges, including operating a water craft under the influence of intoxicating liquor and operating a water craft negligently.

As a result of the collision between two jet skis, a 16-year-old girl from Lowell, identified as Isabelle Silva, disappeared under the water.

Her body was recovered Monday as crews were searching the waters.

Silva was identified as a student at Lowell High School. A teacher described her as "very energenic" and "hard working".

Silva's cousin, Arthur Campos, says after the collision, the teen never surfaced, while her boyfriend, who was driving the jet ski, was able to make it out of the water.

Her boyfriend told the teenager's family she was wearing a life jacket.

"Unfortunately, it ended in a way that is very unfortunate for everybody, especially their family," Chelmsford Police Chief James Spinney said.

Dematos was taken to an area hospital, and was arraigned from his hospital bed on Tuesday.

"They noticed he had slurred speech, blood-shot eyes and seemed to be suffering several signs of intoxication," a prosecutor said.

He was ordered to be held on $7,500, and is due in court again on Sept. 8.

Chelmsford police said the call for the accident came in around 10:30 p.m. Sunday. Authorities searched the Merrimack throughout the night without any success. Emergency crews were pulled from the water at about 3 a.m. Monday.

Efforts resumed shortly before 7 a.m. Monday, but the girl's body was found later that morning.

Silva's family and friends are still in shock, according to Campos.

Chief Spinney said Sunday's incident is the latest example of people negligently using jet skis, pointing out a recent hit and run in Lowell that left a father dead.

"People have to make responsible decisions," he said.

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