Family Files $10 Million Wrongful Death Lawsuit After 10-Year-Old Boy Dies in Jet-Ski Crash
Photo: Edmaiston Mosley Funeral Home/Gear family
The family of a 10-year-old boy who tragically died in a jet-ski crash this summer has filed a $10-million wrongful death lawsuit, according to court documents. The lawsuit targets the Middle Tennessee Council of the Boy Scouts of America, People reports.
Jack Gear, from Union City, Tennessee, lost his life on July 16 while attending a summer camp at Boxwell Reservation, which was part of the Tennessee National Guard Youth Development Week. Court documents, filed in the Circuit Court for the 20th Judicial District of Tennessee, detail the events leading up to the accident.
According to the complaint, Gear was riding on a Sea-Doo operated by a 19-year-old camp employee when another jet ski, driven by a second camp employee, collided with them. “The force of the impact between the Jet-Skis was so great, that Jack was fatally injured and the driver of the Jet-Ski that Jack was on was critically injured,” the complaint alleges.
The lawsuit claims that Gear’s death resulted from the “negligence and reckless conduct” of employees, agents, and representatives of the Middle Tennessee Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Additionally, it highlights that the use of personal watercraft, such as jet skis, is prohibited by the Boy Scouts’ “Guide to Safe Scouting.” It remains unclear whether the camp obtained an exemption to operate the vehicles.
The complaint also notes that the two watercraft operators were born after January 1, 1989, meaning they were required by law to complete the Boating Safety Exam and possess a Boating Safety Education Certificate to legally operate a jet ski.
Neither the Boy Scouts of America nor Jack Gear’s parents, Xson and Crystalyn Gear, have responded to requests for additional comments on the pending lawsuit. A spokesperson for Boxwell Reservation has also remained silent.
In a statement to McClatchy News, a Boy Scouts of America representative said, “Scouting America is deeply saddened over the passing of Jack Gear, and we offer condolences to his family and friends. As this is active litigation, we will not comment further.”
Jack Gear had just completed the fourth grade and was set to begin at Union City Middle School. His obituary described him as a boy who loved reading and video games, and noted, “He was loved by all and will be truly missed.”
