Family of teen killed in Pinellas boat crash sues teen operator’s parents

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The family of a teen who was killed in a boating crash in Pinellas County earlier this year has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the parents of the 16-year-old who was operating the boat at the time of the crash.

Collin Moorefield was killed in the March 3 boat crash near Bayshore Boulevard in St. Petersburg, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The lawsuit, filed Aug. 12, accuses Anjan and Katherine Tharakan of purchasing a boat for their 16-year-old son to use with his friends without adult supervision.

“Anjan and Katherine have engaged in a pattern and practice of buying power vehicles or vessels for their son” to use and transport other minors, the lawsuit reads.

The parents knew their son “was ill-equipped, in-experienced, or both, to safely operate [the boat], especially without an adult experienced in operating power watercraft present on [the boat] with [their] minor son,” the lawsuit alleges.

Moorefield’s family claims the Tharakans were made aware that their son was taking Moorefield out on the boat, and did not ensure he had supervision or that he didn’t take alcohol with them.

The 16-year-old took the boat and left the Venetian Isles area. After dropping off another teen at the Venetian Isles bridge, the 16-year-old drove the boat near its top speed, under the influence of alcohol, and while looking at his phone, according to the lawsuit.

The 16-year-old eventually crashed the boat into a dock, sending Moorefield overboard. Moorefield was found unresponsive and taken to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. He eventually died from his injuries.

The family is seeking medical and funeral expenses and additional damages under the Florida Wrongful Death Act. The family is asking for a jury trial.

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