Topic of the Day: Parents blame ‘Scouts’ for child’s death
13 On Your Side wants to know your thoughts:
When most of us hear the title Boy Scout, our immediate thought is camping; but, the scouts is so much more than just surviving in the wilderness. The National Boy Scout Association has been around for decades and has helped groom thousands of young boys into becoming responsible members of society and even becoming leaders.
That’s why 15-year old Reid Comita devoted his young life to scouting; Comita had been a scout since he was in first grade and was one merit badge away from receiving one of the scout highest ranks ‘Eagle Scout’. In order to be promoted a scout needs 21 merit badges and pass a rigorous review. Sadly, the teenager died attempting to achieve his goal.
Reid’s parents blame the Boy Scouts of America for their son’s death and are now suing the organization. According to his parents Reid was signed up for a beginners course at the Buffalo Trail Scout Ranch in Texas but for some unknown reason was made to take part in experienced hike in almost triple digit temperatures. Court records also show that the scouts violated their own procedures; according to the scouts Reid should have been escorted by two adults instead he was assigned an 18-year old and 14-year old.
The Comita’s accuse the scouts of placing their child’s life in the hands of two inexperienced guides who failed to see that Reid was in distress and failed to act when he collapsed. Reid was airlifted to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Adding insult to injury, Reid’s parents weren’t notified until four hours after he passed away.
13 On Your Side wants to know your thoughts:
Do you think the Boy Scouts of America are liable?
