Families visit Walt Disney World expecting joy, routine, and a carefully managed environment where safety is part of the experience. From restaurants and hotels to transportation hubs and entertainment venues, guests trust that trained staff and established protocols are in place if something goes wrong. When that trust is shaken, especially in a setting built around hospitality, the impact ripples far beyond one incident.
That trust is now under scrutiny following the death of a 42-year-old Florida father who collapsed after choking at a Disney Springs restaurant, a case that has evolved into a federal wrongful death lawsuit. As more details emerge, the situation has reignited conversations about emergency response expectations at one of the most visited destinations in the world.
A Dinner Stop During a Family Trip
Kevin Duncan, an Ocala resident and father of three, was visiting Orlando last June while attending his daughter’s dance competition. After a long day, Duncan joined friends and family for dinner at The Boathouse, a popular waterfront restaurant at Disney Springs known for its lively atmosphere and scenic views.
According to a lawsuit filed by Morgan & Morgan on behalf of Duncan’s mother, Reah Duncan, the evening took a sudden and tragic turn when Duncan began choking on a piece of steak while seated at the table.
Family members and friends attempted to intervene, including performing the Heimlich maneuver. Despite their efforts, they were unable to clear his airway.
Lawsuit Alleges Delay in Calling 911
The wrongful death complaint alleges that restaurant staff did not immediately contact emergency medical services. Instead, staff reportedly reached out to on-site security before calling 911, a decision the lawsuit claims resulted in a critical delay per Florida Politics.
Emergency responders later documented that Duncan had been unresponsive for approximately 25 minutes by the time they arrived. He was transported to AdventHealth Celebration, where he remained hospitalized for two days.
Cause of Death and Medical Findings
Kevin Duncan died on June 9 after suffering a severe brain injury caused by oxygen deprivation. The Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office signed the death certificate but did not conduct an autopsy.
Attorneys for the family say the timeline of events and response decisions are central to the case. They argue that choking incidents are foreseeable in restaurants and that staff should be prepared to act immediately when a patron is in distress.
Attorneys Raise Questions About Preparedness
In a public statement, Morgan & Morgan founder John Morgan and attorney Edward Combs said the family is seeking clarity around training, protocols, and whether proper emergency procedures were followed.
They emphasized that the lawsuit is not just about one moment, but about understanding whether failures in response contributed to a death they believe could have been prevented.
The Boathouse has since filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. The restaurant and its legal representation have declined to comment publicly. Requests for the 911 call records have not yet been fulfilled.
Remembering the Man Behind the Headlines
Outside the courtroom, Kevin Duncan is remembered as a devoted father, a man of faith, and a hands-on worker in his family’s air conditioning business. His obituary described someone who found peace in the outdoors and joy in simple, active pursuits.
He loved boating, fishing, trail riding, and spending time surrounded by nature. Friends described him as dependable, energetic, and happiest when he was with his family.
Legal Case Moves Forward in Federal Court
The lawsuit was first 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.
The legal action comes as Disney World faces increased public attention following a series of unrelated but highly publicized deaths on resort property in recent months.
Disney World Under Heightened Scrutiny
In recent weeks, law enforcement has confirmed multiple deaths across Walt Disney World property, including incidents at resorts and Disney Springs. Most recently, authorities investigated a death after a man was found unresponsive in a Disney Springs parking garage.
Officials have stated the incident was under investigation, but few details were released. The discovery followed several deaths reported between mid-October and mid-November, including medical emergencies and cases authorities said were being investigated as suicides.
Disney Springs remains one of the most accessible areas of the resort, open to the public without admission or parking fees, and frequented by both tourists and local residents.
What Guests Should Take Away From This
For visitors, these events serve as sobering reminders that emergencies can happen anywhere, even in places designed for comfort and entertainment. For businesses, they reinforce the importance of immediate action, clear communication, and consistent staff training when seconds can make the difference.
If you or someone you know is struggling, confidential support is available through services such as Lifeline, Beyond Blue, Kids Helpline, Headspace, and 13YARN.
If you are planning a visit to Disney Springs or any major theme park destination, trust your instincts and advocate for immediate help when something feels wrong. Ask staff to call 911 without delay if a medical emergency occurs. And if your family is left searching for answers after a serious incident, speaking with an experienced legal professional can help you understand your rights and what accountability may look like moving forward.
Each restaurant with over 25 capacity seating should be required to have suction equipment and airway foreign object suction equipment quickly available and training how to use it for every employee at every restaurant, right beside and with every electronic defibrillator, Not only Disney Springs every restaurant statewide should have both those “ defibrillator and suction kit combo pack” readily available everywhere and “quickly deployed” when needed
So you will blame the restaurant for him shoving good into his mouth and choking on it. If they called 911, and died afterwards, why is it Boathouses fault. It’s sad Yes, but the family should realize the Boathouse didn’t cause his death. Again it’s a sad tragedy.
Every business should have an emergency action plan to protect itself. It’s employees and any visitors. It’s naïve to believe that a business who has so many possible ways to injure. A patron should not be required to have an adequate response to an emergency.
Why didn’t the family call 911 themselves?!?! I would have at least tried!