Boy Scouts Sued Following Jet Ski Accident That Killed 10-Year-Old Boy

Crystalyn Gear and Xson Gear are suing the Middle Tennessee Council of the Boy Scouts of America for $10 million dollars after their 10-year-old son, Jack Elliott Gear, was killed during a jet ski accident.

Jack was camping at the Boxwell Reservation, which is roughly 1,100 acres in size and includes boat docks and jet skis. According to the lawsuit, the Boy Scouts of America owns the Sea-Doo brand jet skis that were involved in the accident. The lawsuit goes on to detail that a camp employee was driving a jet ski with Jack as a passenger. That’s when a staff member and camper riding another jet ski ran into the pair, killing the boy and critically injuring the jet ski’s driver. Jack was taken from the scene to the hospital, where he later died of his injuries.

The lawsuit alleges that the camp staff members operating the jet skis were supposed to complete the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s Boating Safety Exam, and that the Boy Scouts of America has rules preventing Boy Scout Council Districts from operating personal watercraft such as jet skis. Per the lawsuit, “It is not known if the Middle Tennessee Council ever requested or was granted an exemption from the Boy Scouts of America to operate personal watercraft;” in sum, the family said the Middle Tennessee Council was responsible for making sure the jet skis were properly supervised so no one got hurt.

When someone is injured or dies as a result of an accident, financial recovery may be available. Such recovery is particularly important when permanent, life-changing injuries are incurred. It is important to contact someone who understands the intricacies of the injured party’s right to recover.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, contact an attorney at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner by calling 713-222-7211 or toll free at 1-800-870-9584. Abraham Watkins offers a free consultation to anyone wishing to pursue a claim for such injuries or fatalities.