Charges have been filed against Charles Bingham Jr., his son Charles Bingham III, and their acquaintance Kayden Crawley in connection with a tragic boating incident on July 4, 2025, which resulted in the death of a 21-year-old man, Henry Miller. The accident occurred on Queechy Lake in Canaan, New York, where Miller lost his life after the boat, allegedly driven by Bingham III, collided with a dock.
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According to the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office, Bingham III was operating a 16-foot vessel at a high speed and in darkness when the tragic crash took place. Initial reports suggest that he was under the influence of alcohol while piloting the boat. Following the incident, Bingham Jr. misled authorities by asserting that he had been at the helm during the crash, despite not being on the boat at the time.
The third party involved, Kayden Crawley, is alleged to have supported Bingham Jr.’s account, stating in a sworn police statement that Bingham Sr. was in control of the boat. This assertion has raised questions regarding the integrity of the statements given to the authorities during the investigation.
In December, an indictment was issued against all three men. Bingham III faces a range of serious charges, including second-degree manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and perjury, among others. Bingham Jr. has been charged with second-degree hindering prosecution, while Crawley faces similar charges that include offering a false instrument for filing and perjury.
All defendants have pleaded not guilty. They appeared in court for a conference hearing on July 20 and are expected to return in August to continue proceedings. The case continues to develop, with public interest in the matter heightened due to its tragic nature.
The family and friends of Henry Miller are mourning his untimely death. According to his obituary, Miller was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, and snowboarding. He was described as a kind-hearted individual who was always willing to extend a helping hand. In a testament to his character, his family noted that he chose to donate his organs, believing that he could help save others. They expressed immense pride in his decision, underscoring the profound impact he had on those around him.
His obituary poignantly concludes, “Let us all carry a piece of Henry in our hearts and do some good each day to carry on his legacy.” This sentiment highlights the love and admiration held for Miller by his community, who now grapple with the loss of such a vibrant young life.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the spotlight remains on the actions of Bingham Jr., Bingham III, and Crawley, and the ramifications of their decisions on that fateful day. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers associated with impaired operation of vessels and the potential consequences of attempting to evade accountability.
Attorneys representing the accused have yet to provide any comments regarding the charges or the ongoing court proceedings, as the community watches closely to see how this case develops. With the weight of grief felt strongly by Miller’s loved ones, many are hoping for justice as the legal system navigates this tragic situation.