WILLIS, Texas – A woman has drowned and two men are behind bars after authorities say they were operating a boat in Lake Conroe while intoxicated on July 4th.
Jerri MacMeekin, 31, has been identified as the drowning victim, according to Montgomery County officials.
Her brother-in-law Kyle MacMeekin, 29, was arrested and charged with boating while intoxicated. Shane Anniboli, 44, faces the same charge.
“We never enjoy pulling people out of the water, especially on a holiday weekend when you’re supposed to be having fun, enjoying time with your family,” said Montgomery County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office Capt. Miguel Rosario.
Investigators say the two men each operated separate boats that were traveling together at the time of the incident, just before holiday fireworks began on the lake.
According to Montgomery County Precinct 1 - Lake Patrol, it happened just after 9 p.m. when deputies got a call about people in the water at Lake Conroe.
Three people had jumped in the water to save Jerri MacMeekin after she fell off the boat, investigators said, but weren’t successful.
Know before you boat: These are the safety tips officials want you to know before sailing
With the help of Texas Game Wardens, Pct. 1 used a sonar-equipped boat to eventually locate her body.
Divers recovered MacMeekin around 11:30 p.m. She was not wearing a lifejacket, investigators said.
“All the divers I know, they’ve never pulled anybody out of the water that’s been wearing a life jacket,” Capt. Rosario said.
Both Anniboli and MacMeekin were arrested and charged with boating while intoxicated.
According to data from Texas Parks and Wildlife, game wardens arrested 172 people for boating while intoxicated in 2023, 56 of them over the July 4th holiday weekend, which accounted for 33% of BWI arrests in the state in just three days.
“A lot of people don’t realize when they’re too intoxicated to operate a vessel,” Capt. Rosario said. “Drink responsibly. Be sensible. Be safe. Have a designated driver ... If you’re drinking, put on your lifejacket just in case you accidentally fall overboard.”
Records show Kyle MacMeekin’s bond was set at $3,000 while Anniboli was given a $1,000 bond.
The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office would not say if the men could face more charges but prosecutors told KPRC 2′s Bryce Newberry the investigation is ongoing.
Capt. Rosario said boaters should have fitting life jackets for every rider accessible and on board, a ring buoy or similar device ready to use, a fire extinguisher, and a Texas Parks and Wildlife Registration Card that identifies the vessel and owner.