Massachusetts man sentenced to probation in Cape Cod boat crash that killed 17-year-old Sadie Mauro

A man indicted for his role in a boat crash that killed his girlfriend on Cape Cod has been sentenced.

According to multiple reports, 20-year-old David K. Sullivan, of Medfield, was found guilty in Barnstable Superior Court of boat homicide by negligence and possessing alcohol under the age of 21. Sullivan received a suspended sentence of 2 1/2 years with five years of probation.

At approximately 9:00 p.m. on July 21, 2023, law enforcement responded to a boat crash reported in Sesuit Harbor in Dennis. Upon arrival and further investigation, it was determined that the boat crash resulted in the fatality of 17-year-old Sadie Mauro as well as causing serious bodily injury to two other individuals that were on the boat.

Mauro was a senior at Dover-Sherborn High School according to school officials. “Sadie’s smile could light up a room, she had a heart of gold and the sweetest spirit. She had such a strong sense of self and had a love for adventure and anything outdoors. A hardworking student and great athlete, Sadie was genuine and effortlessly kind.”

Sadie had participated in two state championships in lacrosse and was headed to play the sport in college.

Six people, including Mauro, were on the boat. The recovery of Mauro from the water was made by the regional dive team with assistance from Dennis Fire-Rescue.

The investigation was conducted by several law enforcement agencies including Dennis Police Department, Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Cape & Islands District Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts Environmental Police, State Police Marine Unit, Massachusetts State Police Dive Team, and the Barnstable County Regional Dive Team.