Johns Creek Salon Owner Charged in Fatal Boat Crash

Updated 4 p.m., Wednesday, June 20

The boat that was involved in this week's fatal collision on Lake Lanier was purchased from the business owned by the victim's family, according to a media report.

Michael Prince Sr., principal owner of The Grass Shack near Lake Lanier, told 11alive.com that he sold Paul J. Bennett the boat involved in Monday night's crash that took the life of Jake Prince, 9. Prince said Bennett was a regular customer, according to the report.

Updated 7:25 a.m., Wednesday, June 20

Authorities have released the names of the victims from Monday's fatal boating accident on Lake Lanier, according to media reports.

Nine-year-old Jake Prince was killed when a fishing boat crashed into a pontoon boat, and Prince's brother, Griffin Prince, 13, remains missing, WSB-TV website reported.

The WSB report also said the children’s father, Michael Prince, was driving the pontoon boat. The Prince family reportedly is from Gwinnett County.

Paul Bennett of Cumming has been arrested and released on bond in connection with the crash. He faces boating under the influence charges, and other charges are possible.

Reports say that Bennett and his wife were planning a divorce and had moved out of their house. Bennett operated a hair salon in Johns Creek.

The Prince family owns and operates The Grass Shack and boat retailer and storage facility in Buford, according to Internet research. "When you buy a boat from Grass Shack you will deal with the owner Mike Prince personally or one of his sons," the website reads.

Four families – 13 people in all, with nine children – were on the pontoon boat when the crash occurred around 10:30 p.m., officials said. Bennett fled after the crash and was arrested later, authorities said.

Divers were to resume their search Wednesday for the missing teen.

Stay with Patch for updates on this story.

See also: