A Eufaula man, originally charged with second-degree murder in connection with a 2024 boating death, has been found guilty of first-degree manslaughter following a January trial in Pittsburg County.
Michael Raegan, 26, was convicted of manslaughter in the first degree for the death of 26-year-old Charles Gustafson, who died after a boat Raegan was operating crashed into the shoreline on Lake Eufaula in May 2024.
Raegan had initially faced a second-degree murder charge, which carried a potential sentence of up to 10 years. Jurors found him not guilty of that charge, as well as of negligent homicide, but returned a guilty verdict on the manslaughter count. Court records show that a four year sentence was recommended from the jury.
Raegan had been operating the boat under the influence of alcohol and marijuana at the time of the crash. According to records, Raegan’s blood alcohol concentration measured 0.12, and witnesses reported he had been smoking marijuana “all day” before the collision. Gustafson, who was riding in the boat with Raegan and others, died from injuries sustained in the impact.
Raegan’s formal sentencing will take place on March 2nd.