Fatal Badminton Accident: Family Sues Franklin Sports for Answers
Family Sues Racket Maker After 6-Year-Old Girl Dies in Freak Badminton Accident
Important Callout: This article discusses a tragic accident involving a child. While we explain the facts clearly and gently, some details may be upsetting. Please read with care.
What Happened?
In June 2024, a family from New Jersey was enjoying a summer vacation in Limerick, Maine. Six-year-old Lucy Morgan was playing badminton with her 10-year-old brother at their rental cottage on North Shore Drive.
Here is what went wrong:
- The badminton set had been provided with the rental cottage.
- While playing, the aluminum shaft (the long metal part) of the racket suddenly came loose from the wooden handle.
- The metal shaft flew off like a projectile and struck Lucy in the head, piercing her skull.
- She was flown by helicopter to MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in Portland.
- Sadly, Lucy passed away four days later.
Who Was Lucy?
- Age: 6 years old
- From: Rockaway, New Jersey
- Family: Daughter of Jesse Morgan, a pastor at Green Pond Bible Chapel
- Siblings: She had three siblings who witnessed the accident
- Parents: Heard her screaming and ran to help immediately
The Lawsuit: What Is the Family Doing?
On Monday, the Morgan family filed a wrongful death lawsuit in York County Court against Franklin Sports—the company that made the racket. They are working with the law firm Berman & Simmons.
What the Lawsuit Claims (In Simple Terms)
| Claim | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Defective Design | The handle and metal shaft were not attached securely enough. |
| Bad Glue/Adhesive | The glue holding the two parts together was not strong or reliable. |
| Missing Safety Feature | There was no backup safety piece (like a pin) to stop the metal shaft from flying off if the glue failed. |
| No Warning | The company did not warn buyers that the racket could come apart during normal use. |
| Knew About the Risk | The lawyers say Franklin Sports already knew this could happen. |
Important Callout: Attorney Charles P. Hehmeyer stated there was a previous case in New York where a child lost an eye because a Franklin Sports racket came apart the same way. He says the fix—a simple metal pin—would have cost only pennies per racket.
What Is the Family Asking For?
The lawsuit seeks financial compensation (damages) for:
- Funeral expenses
- Pecuniary loss (financial support Lucy would have provided in the future)
- Emotional distress (the pain and suffering of the family)
- Loss of comfort, society, and companionship (the love and presence of their daughter/sister)
- Other damages allowed by law
What Happens Next?
- Franklin Sports will respond – They may deny the claims or try to settle.
- Evidence will be gathered – Both sides will share documents, expert opinions, and witness statements.
- Possible trial or settlement – Many cases like this settle before trial, but some go to court.
- Goal: Safety changes – The family’s lawyers want to force Franklin Sports to fix the design so this never happens again.
Summary
- Lucy Morgan, age 6, died after a badminton racket shaft flew off and hit her in the head.
- The accident happened during a family vacation in Limerick, Maine, in June 2024.
- The racket was made by Franklin Sports and came with the rental cottage.
- The family is suing for wrongful death, claiming the racket was defective and dangerous.
- Lawyers say the company knew about a similar past injury but did not add a cheap safety pin to prevent it.
- The lawsuit aims to get justice for Lucy and make future rackets safer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a "wrongful death lawsuit"?
A wrongful death lawsuit is a legal case brought by a family when someone dies because of another party’s negligence or a defective product. It seeks money to cover costs and acknowledge the loss.
Why is Franklin Sports being sued instead of the rental owner?
The lawsuit focuses on the manufacturer because the claim is that the racket itself was poorly designed and built. The rental owner provided the set, but the defect came from how the racket was made.
What is a "secondary restraint" on a racket?
It’s a backup safety feature—like a metal pin or screw—that holds the shaft to the handle even if the glue fails. The lawsuit says this racket didn’t have one.
Has this happened before with Franklin Sports rackets?
Yes. The family’s attorney says there was a previous case in New York where a child lost an eye when a Franklin Sports racket came apart the same way.
What could happen if the family wins?
- They may receive financial compensation.
- Franklin Sports could be forced to redesign the racket (e.g., add a safety pin).
- It could lead to recalls or warnings on similar products already sold.
This article is based on public reporting from WMTW and court filings. Franklin Sports has not yet publicly responded. We will update if they do.