DENNIS, Mass. — Authorities have officially launched a criminal investigation into a boat crash off Cape Cod that claimed the life of a teenage girl and injured at least one other teen last month, according to the Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office.
Seventeen-year-old Sadie Mauro, a rising senior at Dover-Sherborn High School, was one of six passengers aboard a boat that struck a jetty off Cold Storage Beach around 9 p.m. on July 21. Mauro was killed in the crash, and a teenage boy suffered a head laceration, officials said.
Local emergency crews and the United States Coast Guard searched the water for more than two hours before they located Mauro’s body around 11:30 p.m.
Authorities have not released the name of the person who was operating the boat at the time of the crash and have not announced any charges or arrests in the case.
The District Attorney’s office, State Police detectives assigned to that office, and Dennis police are investigating the crash.
A preliminary investigation indicated that the vessel was equipped with two outboard 250-horsepower engines bearing an Alabama registration, according to the Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office.
Mauro’s death left her fellow students and the staff in Dover-Sherborn heartbroken.
“The Dover-Sherborn community is strong and is known for its strength and resiliency in the face of unimaginable tragedy. We will continue to support each other in the days and weeks ahead as we surround Sadie’s family, friends and loved ones with care and love,” added Dover-Sherborn Public Schools Superintendent Beth McCoy. “I will be hugging my children extra tight this evening - I am sure you will do the same.”
In a letter to families, Dover-Sherborn High School Principal John Smith said that the community was “devastated and heartbroken” regarding the tragic crash.
“Sadie’s smile could light up a room, she had a heart of gold and the sweetest spirit,” wrote Smith. “She had such a strong sense of self and had a love for adventure and anything outdoors. A hardworking student and great athlete, Sadie was genuine and effortlessly kind.”
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