New Jersey parents are seeking justice for their 6‑year‑old daughter, Lucy Morgan, who died after a badminton racket shattered during a family vacation in Limerick, Maine. The family has filed a wrongful‑death and product‑liability lawsuit against Franklin Sports, the Massachusetts‑based maker of the equipment.
Allegations against the manufacturer
According to the complaint, the racket’s metal shaft detached from the wooden handle while Lucy’s 10‑year‑old brother was playing nearby. The dislodged shaft struck Lucy in the head, piercing her skull. Police reports confirm she was taken to Southern Maine Health Care in Sanford, then air‑lifted to Maine Medical Center in Portland, where she died on June 5, 2024.
Attorney Charles P. Hehmeyer, representing the Morgan family, says the lawsuit claims the racket was “defective and unreasonably dangerous.” He alleges the adhesive joining the handle and shaft was insufficient, the design lacked a secondary restraint, and Franklin Sports failed to warn consumers of the risk.
Prior incidents and company knowledge
Hehmeyer notes this is not the first reported problem with Franklin Sports’ badminton rackets. He cites a previous case in New York where a child lost an eye after a similar failure, asserting the company was aware of the issue but did not add a simple safety pin that would cost only pennies.
The complaint seeks compensatory and punitive damages for funeral expenses, emotional distress, loss of companionship, and other relief permitted under Maine law. Lucy’s three siblings, who witnessed the incident, are said to have suffered severe emotional trauma.
Family’s faith and response
Lucy’s father, Pastor Jesse Morgan of Green Pond Bible Chapel in Rockaway, New Jersey, shared how the family’s Christian faith has sustained them. He described finding Lucy’s prayer journal after the tragedy, noting its Bible‑themed notes and drawings as a “beautiful gift” that reflects her belief in Christ.
“I have no doubt Lucy loved Christ and God welcomed her into heaven,” Pastor Morgan told Fox News Digital.
Company response
Fox News Digital reached out to Franklin Sports for comment. No response was received at the time of publication.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
