CONCORD, N.C. – As the anniversary of the death of a North Carolina teenager approaches, Governor Pat McCrory is set to sign legislation named after the girl into law.
House BIll 958, called “Sheyenne’s Law” calls for stronger charges and penalties against impaired boaters who cause a death or serious injuries.
Sheyenne Marshall of Carbarrus County, was killed in a boating accident last year on Lake Norman. Marshall was on the water on a knee board when she was struck by a passing boat.
Authorities said the driver was impaired. But under current law, boating while impaired can only be a misdemeanor in North Carolina.
Governor McCrory will sign the bill into law on Monday afternoon at Cox Mill High School. Marshall would have graduated from that school this year.
The 17-year-old dreamed of becoming a nurse like her mother and sister.
Her father, Kenny Marshall, said his family contacted lawmakers after Sheyenne’s death.
“If we can save one life or keep someone from being injured, at least something good has come out of this,” Kenny Marshall said, “We hope that families don’t have to go what we had to go through.”
Sheyenne’s Law passed with unanimous approval in North Carolina House and Senate.
