Family files claim after boating death

The family of a Huntington Beach man who died in a boating accident has filed a claim against the city, claiming negligence by officials and asking for more than $5 million.

Shawn Wilson, 35, died June 27 after crashing into the Gilbert Drive Bridge over Shelter Channel in Huntington Harbor. Wilson was riding on his 12-foot, inflatable Zodiac boat with Caleb Steele, 30, and James Geekie during high tide at 1 a.m. Steele also died in the accident.

Wilson’s wife filed a claim in September, and his toddler and newborn filed claims with the city Friday citing negligence for his death because the bridge’s eye beam was not properly illuminated, the family’s attorney, Sarah Serpa, said.

An eye beam is a part of the bridge that hangs down. During high tide, there isn’t a lot of room between it and the water level.

“If you’re sitting in a dinghy boat, it’s right at neck level, and that’s what happened here,” Serpa said.

The family is claiming the eye beam should have been illuminated and created an “improperly lit navigational hazard,” Serpa said.

The city is still reviewing the claim, said spokeswoman Laurie Payne.

At the time of the incident, witnesses said the men were driving recklessly, and police found empty beer containers inside the boat. Orange County Sheriff’s Department officials said the investigation is ongoing and couldn’t comment on the case.