Driver in watercraft crash faces speeding charge

The driver of a personal watercraft that struck a stone wall on Wellesley Island likely will face charges of excessive speed, state police said Saturday.

Ryan D. McConn, 20, Fayetteville, was driving the watercraft Friday night when he struck the wall in a harbor near Hopewell Hall, ejecting himself and two passengers, Austin J. Merola, 19, North Syracuse, and his twin brother, Alfonso J. Merola IV.

Trooper Paul M. Mendez said no charges had been filed formally by 5 p.m. Saturday but the speeding charge was a probability.

"There was no alcohol or anything else like that involved," Mr. Mendez said.

The trooper said the men were not in the wrong by operating the watercraft so late in the day. They were allowed to be on the St. Lawrence River until dusk, at 8:51 p.m., he said. The accident happened at 8:45 p.m.

All three victims were taken to River Hospital, Alexandria Bay. The twin brothers were flown separately to Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, with Austin suffering from injuries to his legs and Alfonso suffering from head injuries.

A nursing supervisor at the Syracuse hospital said both were in fair condition Saturday night.

Mr. McConn was treated at River Hospital for wrist and shoulder injuries. When contacted Saturday, a woman at the hospital said she could not give out his condition.