Family of 10-Year-Old Who Died in Jet Ski Crash Files Wrongful Death Suit Against Boy Scouts, Seeking $10M

Jack Gear was at a summer camp at Boxwell Reservation in Tennessee when the fatal incident occurred on July 16

The family of a 10-year-old boy who died in a jet ski collision in July has filed a $10 million wrongful death lawsuit against the Middle Tennessee Council for the Boy Scouts of America, according to court documents.

Jack Gear, of Union City, Tenn., died on July 16 while at a summer camp at Boxwell Reservation as part of the Tennessee National Guard Youth Development Week, according to documents filed in the Circuit Court for the 20th Judicial District of Tennessee.

Gear was riding on a Sea-Doo jet ski driven by a 19-year-old employee of the camp when the watercraft was hit by another Sea-Doo jet ski being operated by another employee, the complaint stated.

"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," per the complaint.

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The complaint alleged that Gear’s injuries and death were caused by “negligence and reckless conduct” of employees, agents and representatives of the Middle Tennessee Council, Boy Scouts of America.

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In addition, the court documents noted that the use of personal watercraft is prohibited by the Boy Scouts, according to their “Guide to Safe Scouting,” and alleged that it is unclear if the camp obtained an exemption to operate the vehicles.

The lawsuit says that the two operators were also born after Jan 1, 1989, and
that they were "required by law to take the Boating Safety Exam and be issued a Boating Safety Education Certificate before they could operate a Jet-Ski."

Attorneys for the Boy Scouts and Gear’s parents, Xson and Crystalyn Gear, did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for additional comment on the pending lawsuit. A representative for Boxwell Reservation also did not reply to a request for comment..

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"Scouting America is deeply saddened over the passing of Jack Gear and we offer condolences to his family and friends,” a spokesperson told McClatchy News. “As this is active litigation we will not comment further.”

Jack Gear, who had just completed fourth grade, was enrolled at Union City Middle School for the coming year when the crash occurred, according to his obituary.

“Jack loved reading and video games,” his obituary reads. “He was loved by all and will be truly missed.”

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