Former Union College soccer player killed in Boston boat crash

A 24-year-old former Union College soccer player was killed when a powerboat crashed into a pier near Logan International Airport in Boston.

Elizabeth "Lizzie" Dankert died after the vessel struck the pier around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, Massachusetts State Police said.

Authorities said Dankert and three friends had taken the boat without permission from a Freedom Boat Club location in the Seaport District hours after the club closed for the night.

Lee Gordon, a spokesperson for Brunswick Corporation, which owns the club, said the vessel was operated outside the club's knowledge and control. He said the group acted well after closing time and outside normal club procedures.

Boston EMS crews responded in darkness and slippery conditions near the pier. They worked with Massachusetts Port Authority fire crews to pull four people from the rocks. One person was critically injured.

The boat's driver, Lawrence Shieh, 40, and two of Dankert's 23-year-old friends were taken to Massachusetts General Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to WCVB.

Union College spokesperson Phillip Wajda said Dankert was an exceptional student-athlete who had a strong impact during her four years at the school. He called her death a profound loss for the campus community.

The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office is investigating the crash.