Family sues Franklin Sports after six-year-old girl dies when badminton racket shaft pierces her skull in Maine

The incident in Limerick, Maine

The wrongful death and product-liability lawsuit centers on a June 1, 2024 accident in Limerick, Maine, where Lucy Morgan was on holiday with her parents and siblings. Maine State Police said her 10-year-old brother was playing badminton outdoors when the aluminum shaft dislodged from the wooden handle and struck Lucy in the head. She was taken to Southern Maine Health Care in Sanford and airlifted to Maine Medical Center in Portland, where she died on June 5, 2024.

Allegations of a defective racket

Filed in Maine, the complaint alleges that Franklin Sports sold a badminton racket that was defective and unreasonably dangerous when used as intended. According to the lawsuit, the handle and metal shaft were inadequately secured, the adhesive joining the two parts was defective or insufficient, and the design lacked a secondary restraint that could have prevented the shaft from becoming a projectile. The family further alleges the company failed to warn consumers about the risk.

Prior incident and company knowledge

Attorney Charles P. Hehmeyer, who represents the Morgan family, told WCVB 5 that Franklin Sports had been made aware of an earlier incident in New York in which a child lost an eye after a badminton racket separated, yet did not make changes to prevent similar accidents. The complaint alleges the company "knew that but chose not to correct this with something as simple as a pin in the handle, which would cost pennies." The Morgan family also alleges that the racket used in Limerick had been supplied at the family's rental cottage.

Damages sought and unresolved claims

The complaint seeks compensatory and punitive damages without specifying a dollar figure, including funeral expenses, emotional distress damages, and compensation for loss of comfort, society and companionship, along with other relief permitted under Maine law. It also alleges that Lucy's three siblings witnessed the incident and suffered "severe emotional distress," and that her parents heard her screaming and rushed to help. The allegations have not been established in court.

Next procedural milestone

The lawsuit is pending in Maine court, and Franklin Sports has not yet publicly responded to the allegations in the available reporting. Any further proceedings will depend on filings and responses in that case.