Family Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit After Lightning Tragedy at N.J. Golf Course

Summer lightning in Sussex County ended a round of golf, killing one. The club owners are being sued for wrongful death.

Lightning killed 28-year-old Franklin Lakes resident Simon John Mariani at Ballyowen Golf Course in early July. Tournament lasted all day. Fans are furious that management didn’t warn sportsmen about storms.

Bergen County Superior Court determined that the course’s managers didn’t monitor weather, stop play when lightning threatened, or identify exits. The club failed to alert participants of lightning or other emergencies during a full-day event that kept them on the course for hours, according to the lawsuit.

The one-day, 36-hole Ironman Tournament cost Simon and Scott Mariani a lot. The lawsuit claims both were on the dangerous track. Scott Mariani saw his son hit by lightning and knew he was hurt. Their acts infuriated him.

Golf course rescuers took Mariani to Cooperman Barnabas Hospital the next day. He died a few days after working hard.

For not following lightning warnings and keeping games safe during storms, the owners are being sued. Family members think safety precautions could have prevented the tragedy.

Mariani accomplished academically and professionally before dying. Economics and accounting were his BA and finance his MA. Two Notre Dames. He left PricewaterhouseCoopers for MTS Health Partners in NYC. His new coworkers called him intelligent, driven, and adored.

Crystal Springs Resort and Ballyowen Golf Club owners didn’t reply.

The Mariani family wants answers and worries about wet park and gym safety. More frequent bad weather may make public venues slow to adapt.