New Jersey Family Sues Racket Manufacturer After 6-Year-Old Girl Dies in Freak Badminton Accident

The family of a 6-year-old New Jersey girl who died after a badminton racket malfunctioned and a metal component struck her head has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the racket’s manufacturer.

Lucy Morgan was vacationing with her family at a rental property in Limerick, Maine, when the tragic accident occurred on June 1, 2024.

According to the lawsuit, Lucy’s 10-year-old brother was playing badminton when the racket’s aluminum shaft allegedly detached from the handle. The metal shaft reportedly flew through the air and struck Lucy in the head, penetrating her skull.

Lucy was rushed to a hospital for emergency treatment but died from her injuries four days later, on June 5, 2024. Maine State Police determined that the incident was an accident.

More than two years later, on August 17, 2026, Lucy’s family filed a lawsuit against Franklin Sports Inc., alleging product liability and wrongful death.

Family Alleges Defective Racket Design

The lawsuit claims the racket contained several design and manufacturing defects. According to the family’s allegations, the handle and aluminum shaft were not adequately secured, while the adhesive connection between the components was allegedly defective.

The family further alleges that the racket lacked a secondary retention mechanism that could have prevented the shaft from becoming a dangerous projectile if the primary connection failed.

The lawsuit also claims Franklin Sports failed to provide adequate warnings about the potential danger.

These allegations have not been proven in court, and Franklin Sports has not admitted wrongdoing.

Company Responds

Franklin Sports expressed condolences to Lucy’s family and said the company was reviewing the matter. The company declined to provide additional comments because the litigation is ongoing.

The lawsuit will now proceed through the legal process, where the family’s allegations and the manufacturer’s response can be examined in court.

Lucy’s death was initially ruled an accident by Maine authorities, but the new lawsuit seeks to establish whether an alleged defect in the badminton racket contributed to the fatal incident and whether the manufacturer should be held legally responsible.

Source: News NZ