‘A profound loss’: Andover woman killed in Boston boat crash mourned by community, her alma mater

ANDOVER, Mass. — Local residents and her alma mater in New York are mourning the loss of Elizabeth “Lizzie” Dankert, who died following a boat crash in Boston late Wednesday night.

Dankert, 24, of Andover, two of her 23-year-old female friends, and a 40-year-old man operating the boat, were all rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital.

Dankert was pronounced dead early Thursday morning. The three other boaters, who have not yet been identified, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Dankert was a 2024 graduate of Union College in New York, where she played soccer.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Lizzie Dankert,” Union College spokesman Phillip Wajda said in a statement on Thursday.

“Lizzie was an exceptional student-athlete who had a tremendous impact during her four years at Union College,” Wajda said. “Her passing is a profound loss for our campus community. We offer our condolences to Lizzie’s family, classmates, teammates and all those who were lucky to know this terrific young woman.”

“We are reaching out to those on campus who are affected by this sad news and providing support and resources to help them through this very difficult ordeal,” Wajda said.

The recreational boat struck the Logan Airport Pier 4R around 11:20 p.m., throwing four passengers onto the rocks wrapping the shore, according to the Suffolk District Attorney’s Office.

The DA’s office noted the three young women boarded the boat in Boston’s Seaport.

Meanwhile, students and faculty at Central Catholic High School, which Dankert attended, are also trying to come to terms with her sudden death.

She graduated from the school in 2020.

“The entire Central Catholic High School community is stunned and deeply saddened by the passing of Elizabeth “Lizzie” Dankert ’20, a positive and accomplished CCHS alumnae,“ Andy Murray, principal at Central Catholic High School, said in a statement on Thursday.

“We are heartbroken for her family and loved ones. We are holding them in our hearts and praying for them and the others injured in this tragic accident,” Murray said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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