The family of a new mom who was killed in an accident in Texas has opened up about her death to remember her 'unwavering love' after her brother-in-law was charged for 'boating under the influence'
The family of Jerri MacMeekin, the young mother who tragically drowned after falling off during an allegedly intoxicated boat crash in a Texas lake, has opened up for the first time since the accident.
"It is with profound sadness that we confirm the passing of Jerri (English) MacMeekin. Jerri was a beloved member of our family – a mother, a wife, a sister, a daughter and a friend to many. Throughout her life, Jerri was known for her unwavering love of her family and friends and everyone loved her back equally," the statement from the MacMeekin, English, and Johnsen Families says. It was posted on Facebook by several family members.
Jerri leaves behind a husband and a seven-month-old daughter, along with a number of family members who were touched by her presence and are left grieving. Jerri's brother-in-law and another man were arrested and subsequently released after posting bail, charged with "boating while intoxicated."
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The Montgomery County Pct. 1 Constable announced that it received a 911 call at around 8.59pm last Thursday about a woman who had "fallen off a boat near the Scott’s Ridge Boat Ramp" in Lake Conroe. Kyle Dean MacMeekin, 29, and Shane Everett Anniboli, 44, were arrested and charged after Jerri's body was found. They've both posted bail.
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The men reportedly jumped into the water to look for her, along with another female, but they couldn't find her. After "several long hours" of search, Jerri's body was finally found and pulled out of the water at 11.30pm by a team of rescue and recovery divers. She was declared dead at the scene.
Jerri is believed to have worked as a senior estimator and portfolio manager at Paragon Services & BKB Construction in Houston. She married Brandon MacMeekin, 32, just a few years ago, in January 2021, and recently gave birth to a baby girl.
Her family continues to mourn in the heartbreaking statement: "Her sudden departure has left a void in the hearts of all who knew her. At this difficult time, we kindly request that you respect the privacy of our family and loved ones as we grieve this profound loss. We deserve the space and time to process this grief and remember Jerri in peace. While we mourn this unimaginable loss, we take comfort in the time we had with her and the marked impact she had on us and so many others. Jerri will forever live on in our hearts and memories."
According to a report from the Houston Chronicle, Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon said that Anniboli and Kyle MacMeekin were on separate vessels, with the MacMeekins both occupying pontoon boats.
Speaking with the newspaper, Mr. Ligon illustrated: "It appears what we have are two drivers charged with boating while intoxicated and a lady who lost her life in a mishap on the lake...This is the perils of being on a boat drinking all day, the perils of being on a crowded lake. These are the things we hope to avoid every summer when we are trying to let people know how deadly the roads and lakes are."
Records indicate that MacMeekin secured his freedom with a $3,000 bond, while Anniboli was released on a $1,000 bond. Police said: "Constable Philip Cash expresses his deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victim and reminds everyone on Lake Conroe to utilize life safety equipment whenever you are on a boat or in the water. No matter your expertise in the water, personal floatation devices (PFD’s or life jackets) save lives."
“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.
