CHARLOTTE, NC — A Cobb County man is facing charges in connection with a North Carolina crash that killed a college swimmer and injured another person, according to authorities.
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On Sept. 24, Burton Brinkman, 22, of Marietta, was arrested and charged with felony death by vehicle and felony serious injury by vehicle. Authorities allege Brinkman was operating a vehicle while “subject to an impairing substance” at the time of the crash. A judge issued a warrant for Birkman’s arrest on July 14.
The charges stem from a May 10 crash in Charlotte that claimed the life of 22-year-old Keegan McKenney, a member of the Queens University men’s swimming team.
According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, officers responded around 2:15 a.m. to the 1400 block of Queens Road West after receiving reports of a crash with injuries.
Officials said a BMW M3 traveling north on Queens Road West ran off the roadway and hit a tree. All occupants were wearing seat belts and had to be extricated from the vehicle by firefighters before being taken to local hospitals.
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Police later confirmed that McKenney, a passenger in the vehicle, died from his injuries.
Queens University Swimming announced McKenney’s death in a social media tribute.
“Forever a Royal,” the program wrote. “We honor the life of Keegan McKenney — a cherished teammate, friend, and member of the Queens family whose impact will never be forgotten.”
The team said its thoughts were with McKenney’s family, friends and loved ones. Queens University’s athletics roster listed McKenney as being from Maine.
The crash remains under investigation.
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