A Lexington man was sentenced to seven years in prison after a boat crash that killed two people.

The August 2020 incident was investigated by the state Department of Natural Resources, which announced the sentence in a news release.

Dylan Steele, 28, was sentenced in Newberry County court on Oct. 10 to “10 years in prison, fined $20,000 and ordered to complete 250 hours of community service after pleading guilty to two felony charges of boating under the influence resulting in death,” according to the release. 

“A judge suspended the sentence to seven years, a $10,000 fine and 250 hours of community service.”

Jamie Lindler, 27, and Andrew Bunnell, 28, were killed in the crash on Aug. 1, 2020.

“Steele was among a group of acquaintances hanging out and drinking alcohol on a sandbar on the Broad River in Newberry County,” the release details. “Two jon boats with members of the group left the sandbar and were waiting in the river when Steele, who left the sandbar after sundown and was driving a third jon boat at a high rate of speed, crashed into one of the other boats.”

The release states that the investigation was built on detailed statements from witnesses on the third boat as well as field sobriety tests administered by DNR officers, supporting charges of boating under the influence.

“The sentencing helped to bring a little bit of closure to the families,” SCDNR Sgt. Damian Yongue, who led the investigation, is quoted. “It’s unfortunately not going to be able to bring their loved ones back, but it is some measure of closure for them.”

The case was prosecuted by the 8th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.

“Keeping the waters of our state safe from reckless and impaired boaters is critical work,” 8th Circuit Solicitor David M. Stumbo is quoted.  “We were honored to partner with Sgt. Yongue and his team of SCDNR agents to prosecute this case and seek justice in the courtroom this week for the families and friends of the deceased.”