A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against The Boathouse in Disney Springs after a man allegedly choked during his meal and later died. The suit accuses the restaurant staff of delaying the call for emergency medical help, which ultimately led to the victim’s death.
According to court records obtained by News 6, the incident happened on the evening of June 8, 2025, when a man, identified as Kevin Duncan, was eating steak at the restaurant. During the meal, he reportedly began choking on a piece of the steak.
The lawsuit states that while family and friends tried the Heimlich maneuver and other efforts to clear the obstruction, restaurant employees allegedly did not immediately call 911. Instead, staff reportedly contacted security first. Duncan’s family argues the delay led to “severe hypoxia and cardiac arrest.”
Lawsuit Claims Delay Contributed to Death
Court records cited in the report state Duncan suffered severe hypoxia — a dangerous lack of oxygen — along with cardiac arrest. He was placed on a ventilator, but he ultimately died the next day.
The lawsuit argues that the time lost before emergency services were contacted played a major role in the outcome. It also argues that the restaurant didn’t serve food in an appropriate manner, warning of known risks. Does that mean they are saying the restaurant didn’t put choking warnings on the steak?
Mostly, the suit claims that The Boathouse failed to follow reasonable emergency response protocols, and staff weren’t properly trained for choking situations.
What the Family Is Seeking
The lawsuit requests a jury trial and seeks damages permitted under Florida law, with the bottom set at the standard $50k we normally see with Disney-related lawsuits.
Unlike the Raglan Road lawsuit, the family is only suing The Boathouse and not Disney.
It’s a sad tragedy that possibly may have been avoided if medical attention had arrived quicker, but that is for the courts to decide.
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