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HomeNewsWrongful death lawsuit launched after fatal Lake Joseph crash

Wrongful death lawsuit launched after fatal Lake Joseph crash

MUSKOKA, ON-Wrongful death lawsuit launched after fatal Lake Joseph crash

Lawsuits have now been filed in the wake of the summer’s fatal boat crash on Lake Joseph.

According to multiple reports, celebrity businessman Kevin O’Leary and his wife Linda are being sued for wrongful death, with the suit being brought by the family of Oakville resident Suzanne Brito.

The 48 year old woman died in the incident, along with 64 year old Gary Poltash of Florida.

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Linda, was one of two people charged by the OPP in the wake of the crash, along with Richard Ruh (Roo) of New York. O’Leary is facing one count of careless operation of a vessel, while Ruh is charged with not exhibiting a navigation light.

Ruh’s charge does not carry possible prison time, instead being a set fine, treated as a ticket.

O’Leary will also not face jail time, only a possible $10,000 fine.

Brito’s family is seeking $2 million in damages for wrongful death. Ruh is also being sued by the family.

According to news reports, the lawsuit’s statement of claim argues that Kevin should have known his wife was not able to operate the boat with due care and attention, but let her drive despite her having a propensity for speeding and no license.

The lawsuit also reportedly claims that Linda failed to keep a proper lookout, was going too fast, and failed to heed the horn from Ruh’s boat.

It additionally is said to state that Kevin didn’t keep a proper lookout, didn’t have proper training or a boat-operator license, and didn’t give the other boat the right of way.

The reports also indicate that the suit claims Kevin has a history of poor vision, and that doctors had told him to either not operate a power boat or operate one under limited circumstances.

O’Leary will be back in court in Parry Sound on the 21st for her original charge.

The Brito family lawsuit has not yet been tested in court.

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