A Grand Forks man pleaded guilty on Thursday in connection with a fatal boat crash in Devils Lake.
Thomas J. Burns, age 54, pleaded guilty in Ramsey County District Court in manslaughter, a Class B felony, three counts of reckless endangerment, all Class C felonies, and boating under the influence, a Class B misdemeanor.
Burns had a blood alcohol content more than twice the legal limit when the boat he was operating at 2:45 a.m. August 9, struck a tree sticking out of the lake, according to an arrest warrant.
Boat passenger, April Stenger, age 26, from Detroit Lakes, MN, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Burns and three others were transported to the hospital with injuries, two of them critically.
If convicted on all counts, Burns coudn face a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. A sentencing hearing has not been set.
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