Son of Richard and Helen Post killed in hit-and-run boat crash

Robert Post, son of Richard and Helen Post of Vero Beach, was killed shortly after 1 am on August 3rd in a hit-and-run boat crash on the Metedeconk River in Ocean County New Jersey, according to state police.

Authorities said an unknown craft that appeared to be a much larger vessel knifed into the 17-foot Boston Whaler carrying the 49-year-old Post, his wife and three friends, striking Post and causing massive trauma to his head and body.

The crash occurred on the night of a new moon, and in the darkness, none of the passengers was able to describe the boat that caused the crash, authorities said.

New Jersey State Police, who spent Sunday searching marinas and lagoons along the shore, said on Monday they had been directed to a private garage containing a damaged 27-foot Imperial speedboat.

An attorney representing the owner, a 29-year-old Brick Township resident, told police his client -- after hearing the story on the news -- said he had crashed into something, but did not realize it was another boat. No arrests have been made.

The injured passengers were taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, where Post's wife Bonnie was listed in fair condition Sunday. Joan Farren, a passenger, was listed in serious condition. The other two passengers were treated and released.

Update: (On August 6th, Bonnie Post was released from the hospital, according to a spokesperson. Joan Farren remained hospitalized in critical condition.)

Post's parents are two of Vero Beach's leading philanthropists, and have long played a leadership role in the Indian River Medical Center Foundation.