Boy Scouts of America Sued After Keoni Hubbard's Tragic Death.
A family from Lexington, Massachusetts, is filing a lawsuit against the Boy Scouts of America following the tragic death of their son during a camping trip. Eleven-year-old Keoni Hubbard lost his life in what the Boy Scouts described as a boating accident at Manning Lake in Gilmanton, New Hampshire, in July 2023.
Attorney Tucker Merrigan, representing the Hubbard family, stated, “Eight scouts, including Keoni, ages 11 to 14, were placed on a small sport boat by an organization that irresponsibly entrusted the care and safety of those children to an utterly unqualified young boat operator.” The 18-year-old operator had received his boating license just 10 days before the incident and had limited training. Investigators determined the incident was caused by a "systemic failure."
The Hubbards’ attorney highlighted that the Boy Scouts failed to follow several safety regulations, including a requirement for a supervisor to be at least 21 years old and a second lookout when children are present on water.
Keoni’s father, John Hubbard, expressed the heartbreak of the family: “I am trapped in my own version of hell on Earth – a hell where the best part of my day is when I wake up, and for half a moment, I forget my son is dead.” His mother, Jenna Hubbard, shared, “In Keoni's memory, we want to honor who he was – an amazing son, a loyal friend, and a truly kind human being. I am a completely different person after losing my sweet boy.”
The Hubbard family is also advocating for the Boy Scouts to implement a water safety program to prevent similar tragedies in the future. “I remember the last thing I said to Keoni before he left for camp. I gave him a hug, and I told him I love him, and I said, 'Have fun and be safe,’” said Jenna.
This lawsuit aims not only to seek justice for Keoni but also to hold the Boy Scouts accountable and push for greater safety measures for future campers.
Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has recently undergone significant developments:
Rebranding to Scouting America
On February 6, 2025, the BSA officially rebranded as Scouting America to promote inclusivity and adapt to evolving societal needs. This change aligns with previous policy shifts, such as admitting girls in 2018 and lifting bans on LGBTQ+ members and leaders. The rebranding has led to a modest membership increase, with over 1 million members and a nearly 3% rise in Cub Scouts.
Legal Challenges and Settlements
Scouting America is addressing past legal issues, including a $2.46 billion settlement to resolve sexual abuse claims from 82,500 men. An appeals court panel has expressed reluctance to overturn this settlement, emphasizing the potential harm to survivors and the organization.
Financial Support and Initiatives
In December 2024, Scouting America received a $30 million grant from the Lilly Endowment to support character development programs for youth.
