Accused operator in 2024 fatal boat crash in Old Saybrook rejects plea deal

The man charged in the deaths of three in a boat crash in 2024 in Old Saybrook rejected a plea deal offered by the state on Thursday.

Clayton Hackling had to decide whether he would take the plea deal of 30 years, suspended after 15, with five years probation.

Hackling rejected the offer, and the case is headed toward a trial.

“He wishes to reject the states offer, your honor,” Hackling’s attorney said in court.

Hackling was charged in the death of Ian Duchemin, Ryan Britagna, and Christopher Hallahan, as well as injuring six others.

He is also charged with boating under the influence as well as other charges.

The arrest warrant alleged Hackling was behind the wheel of the boat and was driving recklessly when it slammed into the breakwater at the mouth of the Connecticut River on Labor Day in 2024.

“The state, on the main charges, would have to argue that you operated the vessel in a serious reckless manner, that placed other people at life, without due regard to the life or safety of other people and that reckless conduct led to the death of three people,” the judge said, explaining what the state would need to prove at trial.

The judge went on to explain Hackling is facing a maximum sentence of 37 years behind bars if found guilty of all charges and their sentences ran consecutively.

Hackling still rejected the deal, and the case was referred to a jury list.

The families of the victims continue to seek justice, but it won’t stop them from continuing advocacy for safer waterways.

“Today was hard. With the plea deal rejected, this case moves forward to trial. We will keep showing up, for Ryan, for the others we lost, and for the justice they deserve,” one family member told NBC Connecticut.

The next court date will depend on a new deal being reached, or for jury selection.

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