Full Breakdown
Lawsuit Filed After Fatal Choking Incident at Walt Disney World Restaurant
1/6/2026, 8:08:05 AM
Incident Overview
On June 8, 2025, Kevin Lee Duncan, a 42-year-old HVAC technician, choked to death while dining at The Boathouse, an upscale restaurant located in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. According to a lawsuit filed by his mother, Reah Duncan, the restaurant staff failed to promptly summon emergency medical assistance, which she claims contributed to her son's death. The lawsuit alleges that Duncan's dining companions attempted the Heimlich maneuver and other methods to dislodge the obstruction but were met with delays from restaurant employees.
Allegations of Negligence
The complaint, filed in October 2025 and later moved to federal court, asserts that The Boathouse staff initially contacted security instead of calling 911, causing a delay of over two minutes. This delay allegedly resulted in Duncan suffering severe hypoxia and cardiopulmonary arrest. He was placed on a ventilator upon arrival at the hospital but died the following day. The lawsuit claims that The Boathouse had a duty of reasonable care to its patrons, which includes summoning emergency medical assistance when a patron is in distress. Furthermore, it alleges that at least one employee advised against calling 911 during the incident and that the restaurant lacked a defibrillator on-site.
Legal Proceedings and Claims
Reah Duncan's lawsuit lists four causes of action: negligence, wrongful death, negligent training and supervision, and negligent mode of operation. She is seeking a jury trial and damages for loss of support, loss of earnings, loss of companionship, and medical and funeral expenses, along with legal costs and interest. The Boathouse's legal team has filed a motion to dismiss the case, citing procedural deficiencies, including the failure to identify all potential beneficiaries of a financial recovery.
Community Response and Support
In the wake of Duncan's death, a GoFundMe campaign was established to support his three children, raising $19,045 of its $20,000 goal as of the latest update. The campaign reflects the community's response to the tragedy and the family's need for financial assistance during this difficult time.
Official Statements
Liz Lombardo Stark, a spokesperson for Gibsons Restaurant Group, which operates The Boathouse, expressed condolences, stating, “We are very sorry for the tragic loss of life, and our thoughts are with those affected. Because this is an active legal matter, we are unable to comment at this time.” Disney has not been named as a defendant in the lawsuit and did not provide a comment regarding the incident.
Conclusion
The case highlights significant concerns regarding restaurant safety protocols and emergency response procedures. As the legal proceedings unfold, the Duncan family seeks accountability for what they believe to be negligence on the part of The Boathouse staff during a critical moment.
