Ontario Court Justice Finds that O’Leary Was Not Criminally Responsible in Fatal Boating Accident
The wife of Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary has been found not guilty of the careless operation of a vessel. Charges stem from a 2019 collision with another vessel that killed two. The fatal boating accident occurred on Lake Joseph in Central Ontario, north of Toronto.
At Mase Mebane Seitz, we know the devastation that a fatal boating accident can cause. We represent individuals and their families who have suffered this indescribable harm. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a boat crash, contact our office at (844) 627-3529 for a free consultation.
Deadly Collision on the Water
According to reporting by USA Today, Linda O’Leary was operating a boat the night of August 24, 2019, when it suddenly collided with another vessel on Lake Joseph in Central Ontario. The sudden impact knocked passengers in the other boat to the floor. Three were injured, and two ultimately died as a result of the crash.
Multiple news sources indicate that Mr. O’Leary and a family friend were on board the vessel that Mrs. O’Leary was driving at the time of the crash. Linda O’Leary was initially charged in 2019, shortly after the boating accident. Charges were filed under a provision of the Canada shipping act.
Operating Without Navigation Lights
Mrs. O’Leary, through her attorney, had stated that the other vessel had no navigation lights operating at the time of the crash. An article in The Canadian Press seems to confirm that the judge’s ruling relied heavily on the fact that the boat hit by Mrs. O’Leary, a Nautique, had its lights off when it was struck.
Testimony heard during the trial indicates that the Nautique was being used for a “stargazing excursion” on the night of the boating accident. The operator turned off the navigation lights so that passengers would “acquire an unobstructed view of the night sky.” The judge found that there was insufficient evidence to make a finding that speed or O’Leary’s impairment played a role in the fatal accident.
What to Do in a Boating Accident
If you are involved in a boating accident, it is important to act quickly. First, check for persons who may have been thrown overboard and render aid until medical personnel arrive. Next, if you or others were injured in the accident, you need to contact an attorney immediately. Law enforcement may need to be notified.
Damages in boating accidents may include compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. Failure to bring a lawsuit immediately could result in your claim being denied.
Discuss Your Case with a Trial Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a boating accident, you need to act quickly to protect your rights. Contact Mase Mebane Seitz to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Our experienced trial lawyers will fight to get you the recovery you need after a devastating boat crash.
Call (844) 627-3529 to get started. Our lawyers provide every client with personalized legal representation, ensuring they get the best possible outcome on their case. We have successfully tried hundreds of cases and will not hesitate to take your case to trial to get justice.
