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

Mar. 15, 2025

Jack Gear.Photo:Edmaiston Mosley Funeral Home

Edmaiston Mosley Funeral Home

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.

“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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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..

“Scouting America is deeply saddened over the passing of Jack Gear and we offer condolences to his family and friends,” a spokesperson toldMcClatchy 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.

source: people.com