Metro

Rockland bride-to-be, best man killed in Hudson River ‘drunk’ boat crash

A moonlit pleasure cruise on the Hudson ended in tragedy when the drunken skipper steered the boat into a construction barge, killing a beautiful bride-to-be and the best man, and seriously injuring the groom, authorities said.

Jojo K. John, 35, was slapped with vehicular-manslaughter and assault charges after allegedly boating while he was boozed up, according to Rockland County Undersheriff Robert Van Cura.

“We have probable cause to believe he operated the boat while intoxicated, and that’s the basis for the charge,” Van Cura said. “They were all acquaintances, they were all on the boat together, and he was the operator.”

The Nyack resident was arraigned in his hospital bed as authorities called off the search late yesterday for Mark Lennon, 30, of Pearl River, who was supposed to be the best man at the upcoming wedding of Lindsey Stewart, 30, and Brian Bond, 35.

Authorities yesterday recovered the body of a woman believed to be Stewart near the accident scene. Bond made it to shore but was hospitalized and awaiting surgery at Westchester Medical Center, while John and two other victims were being treated for head trauma.

Authorities plan to restart their search for Lennon’s body today.

The group had left Piermont, about 25 miles north of New York City, and was headed to Tarrytown late Friday when the horrific crash unfolded.

At about 10:30 p.m., the 21-foot roofless Stingray suddenly smashed into a construction barge under the Tappan Zee Bridge, flinging all six occupants into the swift, murky waters of the Hudson.

Only two people aboard were wearing life jackets, said authorities.

Bond’s parents, who rushed to New York from North Carolina yesterday, were shocked and distraught.

“I can’t believe this happened . . . I don’t have the words,” said his mother, Jean.

Brian’s pop Bruce Bond noted that the two families are close.

“I feel so bad — they are in our thoughts,” he said.

The elder Bond said his son was badly injured but in stable condition.

“My son is still in shock and he’s heavily sedated. The doctors say he’s going to have surgery on Monday,” he said.

Stewart’s devastated mother and stepfather said their daughter was just two weeks away from her wedding.

She placed white flowers at the crash scene.

“It can’t end like this,” she told WABC/Channel 7.

Stewart’s stepfather, Walter Kosick, said the couple had been friends since childhood.

“They’re both workaholics — and they were planning a very good future together,” he said.

The couple and John were spotted at Pier 701 restaurant in Piermont at about 9 p.m. Friday.

“They were probably drinking before they got here. It seemed that way,” a bartender said. “They had dinner inside and a few drinks. After a couple of beers and cocktails they left. An hour later we were hearing about the accident on the news.”

Lindsey worked for Prudential Life Insurance and Bond is a grade-school art teacher in White Plains, friends said.

The bride-to-be had stopped working and had a fun-filled two weeks planned before Aug. 10. She and girlfriends had arranged for an upcoming day at the races and private party tent at Monmouth Park, an organizer of the event told The Post.

The lovebirds were friends in high school but fell in love three years ago, Kosick said.

Rockland County police officers said the barges were lashed together, stationary, and lit on two sides.

“I can tell you that it’s very dark on the river . . . It is difficult to see the barges, which are low in the water and dark,” said Van Cura.

“The fact that this young woman was planning to be married soon brings more stress to the family and more heartache.”

Bruce Bond said in addition to his son’s eye injuries, he had a “puncture wound” in his elbow.

The other survivors suffered head trauma, and one was found unconscious, authorities said.

“I’m going to give my condolences to Lindsey’s family,” Bruce Bond told The Post yesterday.

Additional reporting by Michael Gartland, Christina Kolokathis and Jensen Werley