The family of Lucy Morgan, a 6-year-old girl from New Jersey, has filed a wrongful death and product-liability lawsuit against Franklin Sports, a Massachusetts-based company. The suit alleges that a defective badminton racket the family was using during a vacation in Maine came apart, turning its metal shaft into a projectile that fatally pierced Lucy's skull.
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on June 1, 2024, in Limerick, Maine, while Lucy was vacationing with her parents and siblings. Maine State Police reported that Lucy’s 10-year-old brother was playing badminton outside when the aluminum shaft detached from the wooden handle. The shaft struck Lucy in the head, piercing her skull. She was transported to Southern Maine Health Care in Sanford, then airlifted to Maine Medical Center in Portland, where she died on June 5, 2024.
Attorneys for the Morgan family claim the racket, which was supplied with the rental cottage, had a handle and metal shaft that were not adequately secured. The lawsuit further alleges that the adhesive used to join the parts was defective or insufficient, and that the design lacked a secondary restraint system that could have prevented the metal portion from becoming dislodged. Franklin Sports is also accused of failing to warn consumers about the potential risks associated with the equipment.
Charles P. Hehmeyer, the attorney representing the family, stated, "This case represents a parent’s worst nightmare. The Morgan family was enjoying an idyllic summer vacation here in Maine when they lost Lucy due to what we allege was a dangerous and defective piece of sports equipment." Hehmeyer also indicated that this was not the first reported incident involving a Franklin Sports racket separating, citing an instance where a child in New York lost an eye. He alleged that the company was aware of the prior incident but did not implement design changes, such as adding a pin to the handle, which he described as a low-cost safety measure.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, including funeral expenses, emotional distress damages, and loss of comfort, society, and companionship. Lucy's three siblings witnessed the incident and reportedly suffered severe emotional distress, according to the complaint. Her parents rushed to her aid after hearing her screams.
Lucy's father, Jesse Morgan, who is a pastor at Green Pond Bible Chapel in Rockaway, New Jersey, has spoken about his daughter's faith following the tragedy. He shared that a prayer journal Lucy had received a month before her death contained drawings and Bible-themed messages about her belief in God. He described this as a "beautiful gift" amid the family's grief, expressing his belief that Lucy had a strong faith.