In this special group episode, Chantel, Meghan, and Lindsay dive into true stories of boating accidents that turned deadly. From Georgia’s infamous Lake Lanier and its haunting history to a shocking collision involving millionaire Kevin O’Leary, and finally, a husband’s sinister secret off the California coast, the team explores how calm waters can hide dark truths.
References:
Wikipedia contributors. (2025, July 23). Lake Lanier. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Lanier
Wikipedia contributors. (2025b, September 5). Buford Dam. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buford_Dam
BBC News. (2014, February 21). Man convicted over Usher’s stepson death in jet ski crash. https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-26284865
Atlanta News First. (2025, July 9). Father, captain of Lake Lanier boat explosion speaks about his children and wife’s recovery [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JS6AkVS-Q1g
Gainesville, F. T. O. (2015, May 15). Paul Bennett released from jail after settling with Hall Sheriffs Office. Forsyth News. https://www.forsythnews.com/local/crime-courts/paul-bennett-released-from-jail-after-settling-with-hall-sheriffs-office/Whitmire, K. (2025, April 18). Wing surfer killed on Lake Lanier after he crashes into boat. Gainsville Times. https://www.gainesvilletimes.com/news/lake-lanier/man-killed-after-two-vessels-crash-on-lake-lanier/
CBC. (2021, September 14). Linda O’Leary found not guilty in fatal boat crash. CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/verdict-trial-linda-o-leary-fatal-boat-crash-1.6174808
Nicholson, K., & Ho, J. (2020, September 15). Justice system’s handling of O’Leary boat crash case a ‘slap in the face’ for victims’ families. CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sister-o-leary-boat-crash-lawsuit-1.5719975
Wikipedia contributors. (2025a, September 12). Lake Joseph. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Joseph
CBC. (2019, August 29). Kevin O’Leary confirms he was passenger in boat involved in double-fatal crash. CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/kevin-o-leary-boat-crash-1.5262492
CBC. (2019b, September 5). Son of Muskoka boat crash victim starts GoFundMe for kids of 2nd victim. CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/muskoka-boat-crash-fundraiser-1.5271364
CTV News. (2021, July 14). Video emerges showing Linda O’Leary before boat crash | Trial updates [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzHFio1eHYw
Gqlshare, & Licas, E. (2019, September 4). South Bay native killed in boat crash involving Kevin O’Leary was doting father who balanced career and family, daughter says. Daily Breeze. https://www.dailybreeze.com/2019/09/04/relatives-south-bay-native-killed-in-boat-crash-involving-shark-tanks-kevin-oleary-was-doting-father-who-balanced-career-and-family-life/
https://torontolife.com/life/what-really-happened-the-night-of-the-oleary-boat-crash-in-muskoka/
Water Sports Foundation. (2021, May 21). All About Engine Cut-Off Switches: The $20 Device that Saves Boater’s Lives Is Now Required By Federal Law. https://www.watersportsfoundation.com/all-about-engine-cut-off-switches-the-20-device-that-saves-boaters-lives-is-now-required-by-federal-law/
Roy, D. (2025, March 31). Dateline: Troubled Waters – Who was Pegye Bechler and what happened to her? Disturbing details of the 1997 incident, revealed. Soapcentral. https://www.soapcentral.com/shows/dateline-troubled-waters-who-pegye-bechler-happened-her-disturbing-details-1997-incident-revealed
Miller, J. (2024, June 10). A man claimed his wife was taken out by a rogue wave — but the truth was more sinister. Oxygen. https://www.oxygen.com/deadly-waters-with-captain-lee/crime-news/did-rogue-wave-or-husband-kill-pegye-bechler-deadly
Coast Files Podcast 