West Tennessee man arrested in boating homicide

MADISON COUNTY, Tenn — A West Tennessee man will stand trial after being indicted in the death of a passenger on his boat this summer.  Prosecutors say he was drunk at the helm.

In July, Nickolas Willhoit, 21, died in a collision on the Tennessee River. A Decatur County grand jury believes his death was a crime.  Marcus Hutson, has been indicted on eight counts, including vehicular homicide and boating under the influence.

Willhoit’s stepfather, Rick Larson said. “Nick’s family has every confidence in the district attorney’s office and in the officers of the TWRA.”

On July 31, prosecutors said Hutson, Willhoit and two others were on the boat when Hutson ran into a moored barge in the Perryville area. The collision threw Willhoit onto the barge, fatally injuring him.

Due to the incident location in the water, the TWRA is the lead agency in the investigation.

Court papers said at the time of the crash Hutson refused a sobriety test resulting in an additional charge.

Willhoit’s family said for now they are reluctant to say anything that could jeopardize justice for their loved one.

Hutson faces additional counts of reckless operation of a water vessel,  failing to maintain a safe speed, failure to keep a proper look out, and failure to take action to avoid collision. His arraignment is set for Tuesday, September 27, in Decatur County.