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Parent Of Park City Teen Who Died Of Overdose Sues Police Department And School District

A Park City parent has filed a lawsuit against the city police department, and the Park City School District, saying they withheld information that could have saved his 13-year-old son from a fatal overdose on the opioid known as Pink in 2016.

The suit was filed by Robert Ainsworth over the death of his son Ryan.

The named defendants include Park City Police Lt. Darwin Little, the Principal of Treasure Mountain Junior High, Emily Sutherland, and a counselor there, Nicholai Jensen.

The Park City community was shaken when Ryan Ainsworth and friend Grant Seaver, also 13, died within days of each other from the opioid known as U-47700.

The lawsuit alleges that after Grant Seaver’s overdose death on September 11th, 2016, Robert Ainsworth and Ryan met with Treasure Mountain’s principal and counselor. But the two school officials did not disclose that Ryan had recently been in touch with Grant, and Ryan probably had some contact with Pink.

The suit further alleges that Grant Seaver’s parents indicated to Park City Police that they intended to tell Ainsworth that his son likely had some of the opioid, but they were instructed not to do so by the officers.

Ryan was found dead of an apparent overdose, two days after Grant.

The lawsuit comes after a 17-year-old high school girl was sentenced in April to probation in juvenile court for ordering the drugs over the Dark Web that led to the deaths of Ryan and Grant.

Grant Seaver’s parents also have a pending lawsuit against six parents, including the Ainsworths, saying those adults are responsible for the acts of their minor children that led to the overdoses.

Neither the Park City Police nor the School District have issued a comment about the new lawsuit.

However, Park City Mayor Andy Beerman issues a statement saying, “While Park City has no comment on a lawsuit which has not been served on the city, as Mayor I give my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of these children, and my support to the men and women of the Park City Police Department who are tasked with the heavy burden as first responders to these tragedies. In this matter we’ve had no reason but to be proud of the manner in which they assisted our families and community, and while we’ve had no prior indications of claims against the department, we will evaluate and respond accordingly in due course.”

Known for getting all the facts right, as well as his distinctive sign-off, Rick covered Summit County meetings and issues for 35 years on KPCW. He now heads the Friday Film Review team.
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