15 Year Old Killed in Rope Swing Accident

Michael Myers

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On Friday, December 16, 2005 Kevin Houston died from injuries sustained after falling 60-feet from a rope swing onto the beach on the northwest corner of Camano Island. The accident occurred during a party at which Mr. Houston and other teenagers were consuming beer.

Mr. Houston was a 15-year old sophomore at Stannwood-Camano High School. He was a member of the wrestling team and his friends nicknamed him Superman.

More information about the accident and Mr. Houston can be found through the following links: Stanwood Youth Dies in Rope Swing Accident; Family Mourns Lost Son and Brother.

Under Washington law individuals who provide alcohol to minors can be held liable for the consequences. In a case such as Mr. Houston's, the individual who provided the beer that was present at the beach party may be liable for Mr. Houston's death, even if Mr. Houston bore some comparative fault.

The landowner who allowed the 60 foot rope swing on his or her property may also be liable if the swing constituted a known, dangerous condition.