Steven Morse of Westfield indicted in boating death of Augustus Adamopoulos of Ludlow

The 10-year-old boy, whom friends and family called “Gus,” was kayaking with his father on Norwich Lake in Huntington when they were struck by a speedboat towing a skier, according to police.

File photo by Manon MirabelliThese warning signs are posted at Norwich Lake in Huntington where a 10-year-old Ludlow boy was killed this summer.

NORTHAMPTON – A Westfield man has been indicted on manslaughter and homicide counts in connection with the summer boating death of 10-year-old Augustus Adamopoulos on Huntington’s Norwich Lake.

The Ludlow boy, whom friends and family called “Gus,” was kayaking with his father on Aug. 17 when they were struck by a speedboat towing a skier, according to police. On Tuesday, a Hampshire County grand jury indicted Steven J. Morse, 37, of 65 Deborah Lane, for manslaughter, homicide by vessel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol and homicide by vessel.

In a press conference held several days after the incident, Northwestern District Attorney Elizabeth D. Scheibel said an autopsy showed that Augustus died of blunt force trauma after being hit by the boat. His father, James Adamopoulos, sustained a leg injury and was taken to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield for treatment. Bystanders brought father and son ashore immediately after the crash in an effort to provide first aid. For Augustus, the help was not enough.

Augustus Adamopoulos

On Wednesday, Northwestern Deputy First Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Dunphy Farris said evidence shows that Morse ingested alcohol and marijuana prior to operating the speedboat on the day of the incident. Morse’s arraignment has been scheduled for Dec. 22 in Hampshire Superior Court.

Hundreds of mourners, including classmates of the boy’s from Veterans’ Park Elementary School, turned out for his funeral Mass at St. Elizabeth’s Roman Catholic Church in Ludlow a week after his death. During the funeral his father and the Rev. Gerry Blaszczak said Augustus packed a lot of life into his 10 short years.

“Gus seemed to have an old soul,” Blaszczak said.

Augustus dreamed of becoming a professional fisherman, his father said. He also wanted to play professional golf or basketball.

“Some days, he wanted to do all three,” said James Adamopoulos at the funeral.

Morse could not be immediately reached for comment Wednesday.