Plymouth County DA announces Massachusetts man arraigned on criminal charges in connection with a fatal boat collision

A Massachusetts man has been arraigned on criminal charges in connection with a fatal boat collision that occurred in 2024, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz announced.

In Dedham Superior Court, 64-year-old John Reichardt of Weymouth, pleaded not guilty to two counts of Assault and Battery Causing Serious Bodily Injury and one count of Boat Homicide by Negligent Operation. He was released on personal recognizance with the condition that he not commit any new crimes while on release.

The incident occurred on the afternoon of August 16, 2024, when a 38-foot Sea Ray Sundancer 380 motorboat collided with a 20’9-foot Pisces sailboat in the waters near Grape Island and the Weymouth Fore River. Two occupants of the sailboat, a man and a woman, suffered serious injuries and were transported to area hospitals in critical condition. On September 7, 2024, one of the victims, 70-year-old Patricia Cicalese, succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Following an extensive investigation that included surveillance footage, witness interviews, and crash analysis, a Plymouth County grand jury returned indictments against Reichardt on July 9, 2025.

The Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office took over the case after the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office declared a conflict.

Reichardt is next scheduled to appear in court on June 23, 2026.