Family of 12-year-old killed by jet ski files wrongful death lawsuit

Ashley and Mark Peterson, parents of the 12-year-old paddleboarder who was struck and killed by a jet ski last summer in Mission Bay, released the following statement on June 18 upon filing a lawsuit against those alleged to be responsible for the horrific, preventable incident:

“Our daughter was a bright, healthy 12-year-old who loved her family, her friends, playing soccer, and dreaming of her future. She is a light in our lives, and our hearts continue to break every day since we lost her.

“Her death was a senseless, preventable tragedy for our family, including her younger brother, and for our community. We are focused on making sure no other family is forced to endure the loss we live with every day.

“We filed this lawsuit to hold people and entities accountable, to create and maintain safe places, and to follow and enforce the laws that are meant to protect us all. We are unwavering in our commitment to make Mission Bay a safe place for families and will work to ensure that this preventable tragedy spurs the change necessary to reach that goal.”

The Peterson family asks for continued privacy and will not be granting any interviews at this time.