Boat driver charged with manslaughter

UNION, Conn. (WTNH) -- A Middletown man has been charged with manslaughter after a fatal boating accident on Mashapaug Lake in Union.

Richard J. Franas Jr., 40, was killed when the boat crashed into rocks and trees along the the lake around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 21.

Franas was taken to Johnson Memorial Hospital and then later transferred to St. Francis Hospital, where he later died.

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection investigated the crash and have arrested the boat's driver, Michael J. Antol, 41.

Antol has been charged with second degree manslaughter, second degree manslaughter with a vessel, reckless operation of a vessel first degree while under the influence, and five other boating violations.

Antol sustained minor injuries in the crash.

He was arraigned in Rockville Superior Court on Friday. He posted a $100,000 bond and is scheduled to appear back in court on September 21.