Tracy Gordon, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for a fatal 2019 boat crash on Lake Murray, was denied parole on Wednesday, August 26. The decision means Gordon will remain in the custody of the State Department of Corrections, with a projected release date in May 2028.
The crash, which occurred in September 2019, resulted in the death of Stan Kiser, severe injury to his wife Shawn Kiser, who lost a leg, and injuries to their daughter. Gordon was piloting the boat that collided with the Kiser family’s vessel.
During the parole hearing, the Kiser family pleaded with the parole board to deny Gordon an early release. Morgan Kiser, Stan Kiser’s daughter, expressed the family’s anguish, stating that it was difficult to accept Gordon serving less than six years for causing her father’s death and her mother’s injury. Shawn Kiser emphasized the ongoing sadness and disruption the incident has caused their family, urging the board to keep Gordon incarcerated.
Gordon, who appeared virtually with his attorney Joe McCulloch, offered condolences to the Kiser family and stated he prays for them daily. McCulloch argued that Gordon’s conduct record and leadership within the prison system warranted his return to society. Gordon also mentioned the respect he receives from other inmates.
In 2023, Gordon was sentenced to 10 years for reckless homicide by boat. He was found not guilty of boating under the influence charges during his trial. Since the crash, the Kiser family has advocated for stronger state DUI laws. According to the Department of Natural Resources, a felony BUI with death can carry a fine up to $25,000, 1 to 25 years in prison, and a three-year boating suspension. Tre Baker, the responding officer in the 2019 incident, suggested that stricter fines and more jail time upon conviction could strengthen regulations for those operating vehicles under the influence.
The Kiser family noted the emotional toll of attending annual parole hearings. Sloan Kiser, another daughter of Stan Kiser, remarked that the incident was avoidable and that while their family suffers a life sentence, Gordon could be released in five years or less.
