In June 2024, Lucy Morgan, a 6‑year‑old from New Jersey, was vacationing with her family at a rental cottage on North Shore Drive in Limerick, Maine. While playing badminton with her 10‑year‑old brother, the aluminum shaft of her racket detached from the wooden handle and struck her in the head, piercing her skull.
Lucy was air‑lifted to MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in Portland, where she died four days later. Her father, Jesse Morgan, serves as pastor of Green Pond Bible Chapel in Rockaway, New Jersey.
Wrongful‑death lawsuit filed
On Monday, the Morgan family, represented by Berman & Simmons of Maine, filed a complaint in York County Superior Court against Franklin Sports, the Massachusetts‑based manufacturer of the racket. The suit claims the badminton set, which had been provided for use at the family’s cottage, was defective and unreasonably dangerous.
The complaint alleges several specific failures:
- The adhesive that bonds the metal shaft to the wooden handle was defective.
- The connection was not adequately secured, allowing the shaft to become a projectile.
- The racket lacked a secondary restraint—such as a safety pin—that could have prevented the metal portion from separating during normal play.
- Franklin Sports failed to provide adequate warnings about the risk of the metal stem separating under ordinary use.
Attorney Charles P. Hehmeyer said the case represents “a parent’s worst nightmare” and emphasized the family’s desire to hold the manufacturer accountable so that similar tragedies never occur again.
Previous concerns about the product
Hehmeyer noted that this is not the first incident involving a Franklin Sports racket. He referenced a prior New York case in which a child lost an eye after a similar separation. According to Hehmeyer, the company was aware of the issue but did not implement a simple, low‑cost fix such as adding a safety pin.
Damages sought
The lawsuit seeks compensation for funeral expenses, pecuniary loss, emotional distress, loss of companionship, and any other damages the court deems appropriate.
The Morgan family’s three older siblings witnessed the accident, and their parents reported hearing Lucy’s screams before rushing to her aid.
Broader implications
The case highlights consumer‑product safety concerns for recreational equipment, especially items used by children. While the lawsuit is pending, it may prompt manufacturers to reevaluate design standards and warning labels for badminton rackets and similar sports gear.
Franklin Sports has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
