Boat Owner in Okoboji Hit and Run Identified

Iowa Department of Public SafetyKevin W. Techau, CommissionerWallace State Office Building - 3rd FloorDes Moines, Iowa 50319Telephone Number: (515) 281-5261Facsimile Number: (515) 242-6136 Director Eugene T. Meyer For immediate release: James J. Saunders, SAC Friday, August 26, 2005 Public Information Officer Des Moines, Iowa (515) 281-5615 OWNER OF BOAT INVOLVED IN FATALBOAT INCIDENT IDENTIFIED Okoboji, IOWA -- The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation today provided the name of the owner of a boat believed to have been involved in a fatal hit and run boating incident on August 12th. Dr. Michael Brosnahan, 50 of Perry, Iowa was killed in this incident and his wife, Jill, was seriously injured. The boats owner has been identified as Richard Christopher Brandt, 46, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and also a seasonal resident in the Okoboji area. Mr. Brandt's 2003 26' Sea Ray (see photo) was seized by officials with the DCI and DNR on August 19th. Investigation and forensic examination of Brandt's vessel led investigators to believe this boat is the vessel involved. On August 23rd, the DCI charged JUSTIN ALLEN NEARMAN, 29, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in relation to the August 12th incident. NEARMAN and BRANDT are co-workers. At this time NEARMAN is charged with: Operating a motor boat while intoxicated resulting in the death of another person, a class B felony and; Operating a motor boat while intoxicated resulting in the serious injury of another person, a class D felony. At this time, the Iowa Attorney General's Office has been called in to assist the Dickinson County Attorney. The investigation is ongoing. Any additional questions should be directed to Special Agent In Charge John Quinn of the DCI at (515) 281-5138.