When you book dinner at Disney Springs, you expect good food, waterfront views, and maybe a splurge-worthy night out after a long day in the parks. It is the place families celebrate wins, grab a memorable meal, and take a breather without needing a park ticket. What most guests never expect is for a dinner reservation to turn into a life-altering emergency.
But that is exactly what happened last summer at one of Disney Springs’ most popular restaurants. A choking incident involving a visiting father has now become the subject of a federal wrongful death lawsuit, raising uncomfortable questions about how medical emergencies are handled in busy Disney dining locations and how quickly help is actually summoned when things go wrong.
A Disney Springs Dinner Ends in Disaster
Kevin Duncan, a 42-year-old father from Ocala, was in Orlando in June while attending his daughter’s dance competition. Like many families traveling for youth sports or performances, dinner was part of the routine. Duncan and a large group of relatives and friends chose The Boathouse, a high-profile Disney Springs restaurant known for steaks, seafood, and its scenic waterfront setting.
According to a lawsuit filed by Morgan & Morgan on behalf of Duncan’s mother, Reah Duncan, the evening took a sudden turn when Duncan began choking on a piece of steak at the table.
Family members and friends immediately tried to help. They attempted the Heimlich maneuver while waiting for assistance, but the situation quickly escalated.
Lawsuit Claims Staff Did Not Call 911 Right Away
The core allegation in the lawsuit centers on what happened next. According to the complaint, restaurant staff did not immediately call 911. Instead, employees reportedly contacted on-site security first, delaying the arrival of emergency medical services per Florida Politics.
By the time first responders reached the restaurant, emergency medical personnel later noted that Duncan had been unresponsive for approximately 25 minutes. He was transported to AdventHealth Celebration, where he remained hospitalized.
Two days later, on June 9, Duncan died after suffering a severe brain injury caused by lack of oxygen. The Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office signed the death certificate but did not perform an autopsy.
Attorneys Question Emergency Preparedness
In a statement following the filing, Morgan & Morgan founder John Morgan and attorney Edward Combs said the family is seeking answers about how the situation was handled. They questioned what safety protocols were in place, whether staff were properly trained to respond to choking emergencies, and whether delays contributed to Duncan’s death.
Choking incidents are not rare in restaurants, especially those serving large cuts of meat. Attorneys argue that quick action is essential and that delays of even a few minutes can change outcomes.
The Boathouse has since filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. The restaurant and its legal counsel have declined to comment publicly. Requests for emergency call records related to the incident have not yet been released.
Who Kevin Duncan Was Outside the Headlines
Away from court filings and legal arguments, Kevin Duncan was remembered as a devoted father of three and a hardworking member of his family’s air conditioning business. His obituary described a man of deep faith who found peace outdoors.
He loved boating, fishing, trail riding, and anything with a motor. Friends and family said he was the kind of person who fixed things, showed up when needed, and cherished time spent with the people he loved.
Lawsuit Refiled in Federal Court
The legal action was originally filed in Orange Circuit Court in October before being refiled in federal court on New Year’s Eve. Disney is not named as a defendant in the case.
Still, the lawsuit lands at a time when Disney World is already facing increased public attention following a string of unrelated but widely reported deaths on resort property.
Disney Springs and Recent Tragedies
In recent weeks, authorities confirmed they were investigating a death at a Disney Springs parking garage after a man was found unresponsive. Officials have released limited details, but the incident added to growing concern among guests and locals alike.
Between mid-October and mid-November, multiple deaths were reported across Walt Disney World property, including medical emergencies and deaths authorities said were being investigated as suicides. Disney and another Disney Springs restaurant, Raglan Road, are also facing a separate lawsuit related to a guest who died after a severe allergic reaction in 2023.
Disney Springs is unique in that it is open to the public, requires no admission ticket, and offers free parking. It attracts millions of visitors each year, including families, locals, and tourists looking for a Disney experience without entering the parks.
What This Means for Disney Dining Fans
For Disney food fans, these stories hit close to home. Dining is a major part of the Disney experience, and guests trust that restaurants are prepared for emergencies just as much as they are prepared to deliver great service.
For businesses operating in high-traffic tourist areas, the case highlights how critical training and response times can be when something unexpected happens.
If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available through Lifeline, Beyond Blue, Kids Helpline, Headspace, and 13YARN.
If you are planning a meal at Disney Springs or any busy dining destination, do not be afraid to advocate for yourself or your group. If a medical emergency happens, insist that 911 be called immediately. And if your family is left with unanswered questions after a serious incident, speaking with a qualified legal professional can help you understand what accountability may look like and what options are available.
Had an incident at Disney in FL where l incurred a skin tear. Disney was more interested in cleaning up my trail of blood and getting my shoe then me . As l was told by a Disney employee its all about image.