LAKE NORMAN, NC — Classmates mourned the death of a Charlotte-area teen girl who police say was killed when she was run over by drunken boater on July 4th.
Sheyenne Marshall, age 17, of Concord was knee boarding behind a pontoon boat on Lake Norman — wearing her lifevest — when she was hit by a boat around 8 pm on Saturday, officials say.
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Keith Owen Cerven, age 49, from Mooresville, was arrested and charged with driving a boat while intoxicated, NC Wildlife Commission officials told WBTV.
On Sunday and Monday, friends and family gathered to pray and remember Sheyenne.
About 150 people met at her school, Cox Mill High, in Concord on Sunday.
The group painted the school rock as a tribute to her with her No. 10 softball jersey. Sheyenne played softball for the Chargers and a special message was posted on the school’s sign.
“Your beautiful smile and caring spirit will be missed, Sheyenne, and you will not be forgotten,” the school also wrote on their website.
Students are also invited to a special prayer gathering on Monday evening from 6:30 to 8 pm at Hickory Grove Baptist Church, where Sheyenne was a member.
“(She was) always welcoming, wanting to talk go out of her way to speak to anybody and make them feel at home,” family friend Nicole Motley told WSOC-TV.
A pastor prayed for Marshall’s family to be comforted and that her memory would not fade, according to WSOC.
“She was so involved and just loved everyone, so that’s what we hope to give her today and show her today — a lot of love,” friend Maggie Roach also told the TV station. “Because it really came out of nowhere for everyone and we’re all really shocked.”
The crash happened on the lake near Little Acorn Lane. Initial incorrect reports said that the incident happened closer to 9 p.m.
Cerven was being held under a $10,000 secured bond, but has since been released.
The NC Wildlife Commission says other charges are pending.
— WBTV-TV contributed to this report
