Adventure Island Faces Fines in Death of Lifeguard

Adventure Island is now facing fines in the death of lifeguard Justin Savers Inversso, the Tampa Tribune is reporting.

Inversso, the son a Pasco Sheriff's Office bailiff supervisor, was killed when he was struck by lightning at the theme park on Sept. 10.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration found that the park failed to follow procedures and shut down rides as a thunderstorm approached the water park last year, according to the Tampa Tribune.

Adventure Island is challenging both the findings and the $7,000 fine imposed by the agency, the Tribune reported.

Inversso, 21, was injured in a lightning strike while working 700 feet above the ground on the Key West Rapids ride. He later died at a hospital.

According to the Tampa Tribune, his father, Sgt. Frank Inversso, declined to comment on OSHA's decision. "The family is still grieving," Pasco sheriff's spokesman Doug Tobin told the Tribune.

"Justin showed great promise as a young man and he cared a great deal about the safety of others. His actions not only to save the lives of the people in the park but his entire life demonstrated that he is and will always be a hero,” Sheriff Chris Nocco “His strong faith led him to live a courageous life of service. There is no question he is in the comfort of our Lord looking down on us.”

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