S. Salt Lake family sues in Boy Scout’s lightning death

SALT LAKE CITY  — Relatives of a South Salt Lake Boy Scout killed by lightning at camp last year is suing the Scouts, claiming leaders weren’t properly trained to respond to dangerous weather.

The lawsuit filed by the parents of David Rayborn and his best friend, Sean Smith, says the boys should have been instructed to seek shelter in a permanent structure rather than walk to a ridge-top campsite further away.

The lawsuit cited by The Salt Lake Tribune says the boys were at the Scofield Scout Camp July 13, 2011, when the thunderstorm set in and lightning hit them.

The suit seeks damages for Rayborn’s death and emotional distress for Smith, who was indirectly struck and tried unsuccessfully to revive Rayborn.

Boy Scout officials didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.