Boy Scouts Sued for $10 Million Over Fatal Lake Crash

Family of 10-Year-Old Victim Seeks Justice

The family of a 10-year-old boy who tragically lost his life in a Tennessee lake crash has filed a lawsuit against the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), seeking $10 million in damages. The incident, which occurred in July 2021 at Camp Cherokee in Van Buren County, claimed the life of Joseph "Trey" Smith, a Cub Scout from Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Allegations of Negligence and Wrongful Death

The lawsuit, filed in Knox County Circuit Court, alleges that the BSA was negligent in its supervision of the water activities at Camp Cherokee. According to the complaint, the boy was not wearing a life vest at the time of the accident, despite the fact that he was not a proficient swimmer. The suit further alleges that the BSA failed to provide adequate supervision of the children and did not have a proper safety plan in place.

BSA Expresses Condolences and Cooperation

In a statement, the BSA expressed its condolences to the Smith family and stated that it is cooperating with the ongoing investigation into the incident. The organization emphasized its commitment to safety and noted that it has "rigorous policies and procedures in place to ensure the well-being of all Scouts." The BSA did not comment specifically on the lawsuit.

Legal Proceedings and Potential Outcomes

The lawsuit against the BSA is likely to be a complex and lengthy legal proceeding. The family's attorneys argue that the BSA breached its duty of care to Trey Smith and that its negligence directly caused his death. The BSA, on the other hand, may argue that it acted reasonably under the circumstances and that the accident was an unforeseeable tragedy. The outcome of the lawsuit will depend on the evidence presented and the rulings of the court.

Focus on Safety and Prevention

The tragic death of Trey Smith has raised concerns about the safety of youth organizations and the importance of proper supervision during water activities. Parents and guardians should ensure that their children are properly supervised and wearing appropriate safety gear when participating in water sports. Youth organizations should also review their safety protocols and ensure that staff is adequately trained and prepared to respond to emergencies.

Additional Information and Resources

• WATE 6 News: Family of boy killed in lake crash files $10M lawsuit against Boy Scouts
• Knoxville News Sentinel: Boy, 10, dies after being pulled from lake at Boy Scout camp in Van Buren County
• Boy Scouts of America: Safety Guidelines for Aquatic Activities