NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The parents of a 10-year-old boy who was killed in a jet ski crash on Old Hickory Lake is suing the Middle Tennessee Council Boy Scouts of America, citing their "negligence and reckless conduct" led to their son's death.
According to the TWRA, the two-vessel collision happened on Tuesday, July 16, in an area near Boxwell Reservation.
Click here to read the complete filing.
A 19-year-old Boxwell staff member and her 10-year-old passenger — identified as Jack Gear — were seriously injured in the crash. The staff member was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to be treated for her injuries. Meanwhile, Jack was taken to Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital where he died from his injuries, officials said.
The lawsuit states Jack was enrolled as a camper at Boxwell Reservation as part of the Tennessee National Guard Youth Development Week, which was set to run from July 14-19.
In addition, the suit alleges the jet ski that collided with the one Jack was riding on was traveling at a high rate of speed and operated by a Boxwell staff member. "The Middle Tennessee Council had the duty, responsibility, and obligation to ensure that the drivers and operation of the jet skis were appropriately supervised," added the suit.
Attorneys for the case said the Middle Tennessee Council engaged in several "acts of negligent and reckless conduct" that led to Jack's death including:
- Failing to adequately and properly train its agents, representatives and employees, regarding the proper and safe operation of a personal watercraft.
- Failing to adequately and properly supervise its agents, representatives and employees.
- Failing to enforce the policies, rules, and guidelines applicable to the safe and appropriate operation of a personal water craft.
- Failing to train, instruct, and warn its employees regarding the foreseeable risks including serious bodily injury and death that could result from negligent and reckless operation of a personal watercraft.
The 10-year-old's parents -- Crstalyn and Xson Gear -- are now seeking $10 million from Middle Tennessee Council's Boy Scouts of America to "recover damages for Jack Gear's injuries and wrongful death."
