Lawsuit Targets Riviera Beach Fire Rescue over Canal Death Incident

Gia Thomas has filed a lawsuit against the city of Riviera Beach. She says the fire rescue team lacked training and equipment to save her husband.

Complaint filed and news conference

The suit was filed a day before a news conference at the canal site. Gia Thomas spoke there and visited a roadside marker where her husband drowned.

Her husband, identified as Heath Thomas, died after his SUV went into the canal nearly two years ago. Thomas described the loss as devastating and ongoing.

Allegations in the lawsuit

The complaint claims crews failed to stabilize the vehicle before breaking a window or opening a door. That alleged action allowed the SUV to sink, the suit says.

Attorneys argue the response caused a preventable and wrongful death. The filing contends the team lacked proper water-rescue training and gear.

Attorney statements and local context

Attorney Scott Smith represents Gia Thomas in the case. He said the department did not have the necessary training, equipment, or experience.

Smith noted Riviera Beach contains roughly eight miles of canals. The city borders the Intracoastal Waterway, and Singer Island lies on the ocean.

Response from the department and plaintiff

Filmogaz.com contacted Riviera Beach Fire Rescue about changes to water-rescue training. A department staffer declined to comment.

Gia Thomas said she does not blame individual firefighters. She blames those responsible for training the department, she added.

Legal and emotional aftermath

Attorneys have not disclosed the monetary amount sought in the lawsuit. The case centers on accountability for a canal death incident.

The lawsuit targets Riviera Beach Fire Rescue amid broader questions over local water-rescue preparedness. The family continues to seek answers.