Boating Accident Involving KARE 11 Anchor's Husband Leads to Drunk Driving Suspicions

You know, some news stories just hit a little differently, especially when they involve figures we recognize from our local community. Such is the case with a recent boating incident over the busy Memorial Day weekend, where John Peter Fasching, the husband of KARE 11 anchor Julie Nelson, found himself at the center of a rather serious investigation on Lower Long Lake in New Richmond, Wisconsin.

It was Saturday evening, around 7:30 PM, when the tranquility of the lake was reportedly shattered. According to initial reports, Fasching, who is 54, was operating a boat that, for reasons still being pieced together, collided with another vessel. Now, when you think about Memorial Day weekend, you often imagine folks out enjoying the water, perhaps a little too much, and unfortunately, this incident seems to fall into that all-too-common pattern.

The collision wasn't without consequence, of course. Two women aboard the other boat sustained injuries, fortunately described as minor cuts and bruises, and were subsequently transported to Regions Hospital in St. Paul for treatment. Fasching himself also reportedly suffered some injuries. Any accident is distressing, but one on the water, especially when alcohol is suspected, just adds another layer of concern to the situation.

And that's precisely where the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office comes in. Investigators quickly began looking into the circumstances, and, perhaps unsurprisingly given the timing and nature of the crash, they've indicated that Fasching is suspected of operating his boat under the influence. A preliminary breath test was administered at the scene, which, while not always conclusive on its own, certainly suggests authorities had reason to believe impairment was a factor.

So, what happens next? Well, the investigation is ongoing, as these things always are. However, if the evidence supports the initial suspicions, Fasching could potentially face some pretty serious charges, specifically operating a boat while intoxicated and causing injury. It’s a stark reminder, I think, for all of us who enjoy our time on the water, that the rules around impaired operation apply just as much, if not more so, on a lake or river as they do on our roads. It's a tough situation for everyone involved, no doubt, and certainly not the kind of news anyone wants to hear.