When 10-year-old Jack Gear left for summer camp in July, his family never thought that would be the last time they saw him alive. Jack was involved in a jet ski collision while attending a camp at Boxwell Reservation in Wilson County. Sadly, he died from injuries he received during the crash. His family has filed a wrongful death suit against the Middle Tennessee Council of the Boy Scouts of America for $10 million.
According to court documents obtained by People, Jack was riding on a jet ski with a 19-year-old employee when they were hit by another Sea-Doo operated by a camp employee. Jack died and the driver of his jet ski suffered critical injuries. Now, Jack's parents want justice for their son.
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His parents trusted the camp.
Per court documents, Jack attended Boxwell Reservation camp as part of the Tennessee National Guard Youth Development Week. His parents took him to the camp on July 14, and he was supposed to stay until July 19. The fatal accident happened July 16.
According to the complaint, his parents took their son to the camp "reasonably believing that the staff at Boxwell would look after their children's safety and well-being, keep them safe, and protect them from harm."
It was a horrific crash.
When the two watercrafts collided, the impact was reportedly so hard that Jack and the driver were both injured.
"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," according to the complaint, People reported.
His family says their son died due to "negligence and reckless conduct" by camp staff.
The camp employees involved in the accident should have been properly trained.
The lawsuit points out that both jet ski operators were born after January 1, 1989. This meant 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."
It is unclear whether they took the exam.
"Scouting America is deeply saddened over the passing of Jack Gear and we offer condolences to his family and friends," a representative told McClatchy News. "As this is active litigation, we will not comment further."
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The community will miss Jack.
Jack had just finished fourth grade and was getting ready to enter Union City Middle School in the fall, according to his obituary.
"Jack loved reading and video games. He was loved by all and will be truly missed," his obituary reads.
Loved ones posted kind words on the Edmaiston-Mosely Funeral Home Facebook page.
"Such a sweet and kind young man. He will be missed by everyone," one person wrote.
Another friend agreed, writing, " I'm Praying for this precious family. Jack was such a joy. He always had a book in his hand and plenty of hugs for the teachers."
