A grieving father has launched a wrongful death lawsuit against the owners of a New Jersey golf course, claiming his son endured severe "anguish" before dying after being struck by lightning during a tournament.
Lawsuit Alleges Course Failed in Duty of Care
Scott Mariani of Franklin Lakes filed the legal action on 3 December 2025 in Bergen County. The suit targets the owners of the Ballyowen Golf Club, part of Crystal Springs Resort. It centres on the tragic death of his 28-year-old son, Simon Mariani, who was hit by lightning on 8 July 2025 during the 36-hole Ironman Tournament and succumbed to his injuries a week later.
The complaint, obtained by NJ.com, states that before his death, Simon Mariani "was caused to suffer severe pain, anguish, and fear of impending death." It accuses the resort of a critical failure in its duty of care to golfers.
Claims of Inadequate Storm Warnings and Protocols
The legal filing presents several key allegations against the golf club's management. It claims they failed to adequately monitor developing weather activity and did not have proper lightning warning protocols in place. Crucially, the suit argues the club "failed to suspend play and failed to provide timely or adequate evacuation instructions" as a fast-moving storm brewed.
While the course reportedly sounded alarms and horns once the storm rapidly developed, the lawsuit suggests this action was too late. Scott Mariani, who witnessed the horrific incident, "had a contemporaneous awareness of the gravity of his son’s injuries" and, the suit adds, himself suffered severe emotional distress.
A Life Cut Short and a Broader Safety Concern
Simon Mariani was a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, holding degrees in accounting, economics, and business. At the time of his death, he was working in New York City. His obituary noted he cherished time with family, painting, and the outdoors.
Following the strike, police were first on the scene to treat Simon before paramedics arrived. He was later airlifted to Cooperman Barnabas Hospital but could not be saved.
This incident occurred in the same July that a separate lightning strike at a New Jersey archery range killed one person and injured thirteen others. According to the CDC, while the odds of being struck by lightning are less than one in a million, about 90% of victims survive.
The Independent has contacted Crystal Springs Resort for comment.
