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Boathouse Faces Federal Wrongful-Death Suit in Disney Springs Choking

The complaint centers on an alleged delay in calling 911 during a June 2025 emergency.

Overview

  • The case was moved to federal court on Dec. 31, and The Boathouse filed a motion to dismiss citing pleading defects involving beneficiaries and damages listings.
  • The lawsuit alleges staff contacted security before dialing 911, that at least one worker advised against calling 911, that no defibrillator was on-site, and that surveillance footage was deleted.
  • Emergency responders reported the diner had been unresponsive for about 25 minutes; he was taken to AdventHealth Celebration and died on June 9 from hypoxic brain injury.
  • The Boathouse is operated by Gibsons Restaurant Group, Disney is not named as a defendant, and a company spokesperson expressed condolences while declining detailed comment.
  • Attorneys for the family say they are seeking answers on safety protocols and staff training, and media requests for 911 records remain pending as discovery begins.