The family of a six-year-old New Jersey girl who died after a badminton racket broke apart and its metal shaft pierced her skull during a family vacation in Maine has filed a wrongful death and product-liability lawsuit against the Massachusetts-based maker of the equipment.

Lucy Morgan was on holiday with her parents and siblings in Limerick, Maine, on June 1, 2024, when the tragedy occurred. According to Maine State Police, Lucy’s 10-year-old brother was playing badminton outdoors when the aluminium shaft became dislodged from the wooden handle and struck Lucy in the head.

Lucy was taken to Southern Maine Health Care in Sanford and later airlifted to Maine Medical Center in Portland. She died on June 5, 2024.

Family alleges racket was dangerously defective

The lawsuit alleges that Franklin Sports sold a defective and unreasonably dangerous badminton racket that failed during normal use. According to the complaint, the handle and metal shaft were inadequately secured and the adhesive joining the two parts was defective or insufficient.

The family also alleges that the racket lacked a secondary restraint that could have prevented the metal shaft from becoming a projectile and that the company failed to warn consumers about the potential danger.

Attorney Charles P. Hehmeyer, who represents the Morgan family, described the incident as a parent’s worst nightmare and said the family had been enjoying a summer holiday when they lost Lucy.

Siblings reportedly witnessed the tragedy

According to the complaint, Lucy’s three siblings witnessed the incident and later suffered severe emotional distress. Her parents reportedly heard her screaming and rushed to help her.

The family further alleges that Franklin Sports was aware of an earlier incident in New York in which a child reportedly lost an eye after a badminton racket separated, but did not make changes to prevent similar accidents.

Lawsuit seeks damages

The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages but does not specify an amount. The family is seeking funeral expenses, emotional distress damages, and compensation for the loss of comfort, society and companionship, along with other relief permitted under Maine law.

The allegations in the lawsuit have not been established in court.