The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been accused of negligence after a 12-year-old boy lost his foot during an official church boating trip in Wyoming in 2022. A lawsuit filed on behalf of the boy and his 14-year-old brother claims the church failed to provide a safe environment and proper training.
The incident occurred at Boysen Reservoir when a member of the church's Young Women's group was driving the boat. The younger boy was feeding a rope to an inner tube when the driver accelerated, causing the rope to tighten around his left foot, severing it below the ankle. The driver then stopped the boat but could not restart it due to a flooded engine.
The older brother called 911, applied a tourniquet, and attempted to paddle his sibling to shore on an inner tube. The injured boy underwent two amputations and multiple surgeries, but his foot could not be saved. The lawsuit alleges severe mental, emotional, and psychological trauma for both boys.
The church responded on Monday, denying any failure of obligation or legal responsibility. It stated that the accident was a rare, unforeseen event without negligence, and argued that the driver is protected under volunteer immunity laws, which shield volunteers from liability in certain circumstances.
The plaintiffs are seeking compensation for medical bills and loss of enjoyment of life. The church maintains that there are inherent risks in boating activities and that its personnel acted appropriately.
