Spring, summer and fall are times when many people enjoy various forms of outdoor fun. One recreational activity last summer, however, ended in tragedy on a lake north of Chicago when a 10-year-old boy was struck and killed by a speeding powerboat.
The incident occurred last July when a family of five was enjoying time on the lake when the son fell off an inner tube, which was being towed by a boat driven by the father. The boy, who was wearing a bright red life jacket, was waving his hands when he was killed.
The alleged pilot of the powerboat was a 51-year-old man. According to the victim’s family, the powerboat was traveling at such a high speed that the bow of the boat lifted up and the pilot could not see the boy. They also charge that he failed to yield right of way to the family’s boat. The man was charged by state authorities with reckless homicide and aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol and cocaine.
The family of the boy has also filed a lawsuit against the pilot, 51, and his girlfriend, 49, who were on the powerboat. The suit alleges that the defendant was driving recklessly, under the influence of liquor and illegal drugs and also failed to yield the right of way. The girlfriend is alleged to have contributed to her boyfriend’s intake of intoxicants, and to have been aware that her partner was unable to drive.
Recreational activities are supposed to be fun, pleasant and memorable. In the case of this family, however, tragedy came from the alleged negligence of another party. An experienced professional, however, may be able to get the negligent party to compensate the victim’s family for their suffering.
Source: Trade Only Today, “Lawsuit filed in boating death of Illinois boy,” Dec. 14, 2012.