Boston Man Indicted in Boating Crash That Killed Former Union College Soccer Player

A Boston man has been indicted on multiple felony charges following a May 13 collision that claimed the life of Elizabeth “Lizzie” Dankert, a 24-year-old former soccer player from Andover. Lawrence Shieh, 40, faces one count of involuntary manslaughter, one count of boat operating under the influence causing death, two counts of boat OUI causing serious bodily injury, unauthorized vessel use, and a Logan International Airport security zone violation, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office.

Prosecutors allege Shieh was heavily intoxicated and operating a stolen vessel at dangerous speeds when the boat struck Pier 4R at Logan. Blood testing revealed his alcohol content at .20, more than double Massachusetts’ legal limit of .08, following an evening of drinking at multiple Seaport establishments including the ReelHouse. Navigation data from the boat showed it was traveling at 36 mph in an area where such speeds are hazardous, the district attorney said.

Cellphone video footage captured Shieh dancing with his hands off the wheel approximately six seconds before impact, according to prosecutors. The vessel, taken without authorization from Freedom Boat Club despite Shieh’s membership, lacked exterior lighting and struck the pier nearly head-on. Dankert died from blunt force head injuries, while two companions and Shieh sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Dankert graduated from Union College in 2024, where she was a four-year varsity soccer player. A university spokesperson described her as an exceptional student-athlete with significant impact on campus. Shieh was released on $25,000 cash bail with conditions prohibiting contact with witnesses, alcohol consumption, and boating activities pending his October 8 pre-trial conference.