Man faces felony charge in connection with fatal Bucyrus jet-ski wreck

BUCYRUS - A local man faces up to five years in prison after being charged in connection with a jet-ski wreck that killed a Bucyrus High School student.

Jonathan P. Moyer, 25, of Bucyrus, was indicted this week by a Crawford County grand jury on a charge of third-degree felony aggravated vehicular homicide, according to Matt Crall, the county's prosecutor. 

Crall said Moyer and two others — including Jacie E. Everett, 18, of Bucyrus — each climbed upon jet-skis in a small farm pond in Tod Township, just west of Bucyrus.

"The pond is almost large enough for one jet ski, but not three," Crall said. "That’s part of what our case is about."

Crall said the three people drove their watercraft around the pond until Moyer struck Everett. Although the state doesn't restrict the number of boating devices that can occupy a small pond, Crall said an expert has told his office that some standards do apply.

"There were some things that were going on that makes it reckless," Crall said. "That’s what makes in aggravated vehicular homicide on a watercraft."

But the state also must consider how familiar Moyer was with operating the personal boats.

"Did he know this was potentially going to happen?" Crall said.

Although Crall believes some "reckless" behavior may have taken place, he did say everyone was sober during the wreck.

"There was no drugs or alcohol involved," Crall said. "Everyone was tested, and found negative."

Once the state determined charges should be filed, Moyer was sent a summons. Crall said he responded immediately.

"He didn’t flee the jurisdiction, and he’s been cooperative," Crall said.

After being charged, the man was set free on a personal-recognizance bond.

Moyer also was charged with fourth-degree misdemeanor failure to complete a boating course or a proficiency exam.

"Anyone born after 1982 is required to take a boaters safety course for anything with a certain level of horsepower," Crall said. "Then there’s a separate (minor) misdemeanor or failing to have a life jacket on the watercraft."

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