Deputy charged with DUI in Jasper boat crash that left him in ICU, passenger dead

Written by: E. George

Published May 22, 2023 @ 10:40 AM ET

JACKSON LAKE, JASPER COUNTY, Ga. – 38-year-old Butts County deputy Brandon McGaha remains in the intensive care unit with severe injuries, including a concussion, lacerated liver, ruptured spleen, and broken ribs, according to a sheriff’s spokeswoman. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources announced his arrest on Monday, May 15, 2023, for crashing a boat in Jackson Lake the night before while under the influence, resulting in the death of his passenger.

Game wardens received reports of the accident and an empty boat traveling in circles at approximately 10:00 PM on Sunday, May 14, 2023. Officers found the vessel still circling when they arrived.

McGaha and his passenger, 56-year-old Joseph Upchurch, were thrown from the boat. McGaha, who was wearing a life jacket, swam to shore, whereas Upchurch was not and succumbed to drowning.

The crash occurred in the Jasper County area of Jackson Lake, which also includes Butts and Newton counties. Using sonar, divers located Upchurch’s body in 50 feet of water on Monday afternoon, over 14 hours after the first call came in.

Officers charged McGaha with operating a vessel under the influence and may add further charges in the future. Leading the estimated 8-10-week investigation is the Critical Incident Reconstruction Team of the Georgia DNR Law Enforcement Division.

Butts County Sheriff Gary Long placed McGaha on administrative leave, and the sheriff’s office asked the community to pray for the families of both involved. According to Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council records, McGaha began his career in 2013 and held a deputy position for 10 years without any disciplinary issues.

Regarding the accident, an official stated, “Don’t drive a boat if you’re drinking,” and stressed the importance of life jackets. This investigation is currently ongoing.