Lawsuits Concluded in Kevin O’Leary Boat Crash Settlement

A complex legal battle stemming from a fatal boat collision involving Kevin O’Leary has reached a conclusion after six years of litigation. The three-way lawsuits, which began shortly after the accident in July 2019, have been settled, according to Rui Fernandes, the lead attorney for O’Leary and his wife, Linda O’Leary. Fernandes confirmed, “Yeah, it’s finished. Everything is in essence finished,” but emphasized that the details of the settlement remain confidential.

While the exact settlement terms are not disclosed, some key figures have emerged. The total payout from both boat operators involved in the incident to the 14 claimants is reported to not exceed $2 million. Notably, two minors—the children of Suzana Brito, who tragically lost her life in the crash—each received $100,000, with a portion allocated for legal fees.

Lake Joseph, where the incident occurred, was the backdrop for a tragic evening that resulted in the deaths of Brito, 48, from Uxbridge, Ontario, and Gary Poltash, 64, from Florida. The O’Learys were returning from a dinner party when their speedboat collided with a pontoon vessel operated by Richard Ruh, a doctor from Buffalo, New York. The pontoon boat, owned by Dr. Irv Edwards, was carrying 12 people stargazing when the crash occurred, resulting in fatalities for two individuals lying at the front of the boat.

In the aftermath of the collision, both boat operators faced legal repercussions. Ruh was charged with failing to exhibit a stern light on the pontoon boat and subsequently convicted. Linda O’Leary was charged with operating a vessel in a careless manner but was acquitted after a trial in 2021, where the judge determined that the larger boat had its lights off at the time of the incident.

The civil lawsuits that followed were filed in Ontario courts by the families of those affected. The O’Learys also initiated a claim for more than $3 million for economic losses and emotional distress. Throughout the legal proceedings, the Federal Court, which adjudicates marine law, took precedence, which complicated the domestic civil cases.

In 2022, a Federal Court judge determined that the liability of each boat owner was capped at $1 million under the Marine Liability Act, limiting the total potential damages to $2 million. This decision did not assign fault but set a framework for the claims.

As negotiations progressed, the involvement of the Federal Court became necessary due to the age of some claimants. A judge approved a settlement for the minor children, establishing a payment structure that would protect their interests until they reach adulthood.

After the settlement was reached, lawyers from both sides expressed relief. Patrick Brown, representing the Brito claimants, noted, “You would hope that litigation moves at a quicker pace, but there were a lot of moving parts.” Fernandes echoed this sentiment, highlighting that all parties were pleased to have concluded the lengthy process.

The legal proceedings surrounding this tragic event have concluded, although the emotional impact on the families involved remains profound. Kevin O’Leary, better known as a celebrity investor on shows such as Dragons’ Den and Shark Tank, continues to make headlines, including a recent film appearance.

The settlement marks the end of all lawsuits, third-party claims, and notices of claim related to the incident. As the involved parties move forward, the case underscores the complexities of maritime law and the lasting impact of such tragedies on families and communities.