Grand Haven Charity Event Cancelled After Wrongful Death Suit

Shannon Weidemann

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A charity fundraiser for the Make a Wish Foundation held in Grand Haven, Michigan every year has been cancelled pending the results of a wrongful death lawsuit. During the 2005 "Smoke on the Water" event two participants died after the boat they were passengers in entered a sharp turn and threw them in the water.

The suit, filed last year, claims negligence, recklessness and an unsafe vessel combined to cause the crash.

The annual fundraiser, which would have been in its seventh run, brings in about $30,000 per year for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Blondin said. About 100 boaters take part each year, and the Grand Haven Chamber of Commerce has told Blondin the event has an economic impact of $1 million per year.

The event was to be held in July. Organizers hope to host it again next summer after the lawsuit is over.