Jannus Live Owner Sued for Wrongful Death

Jeff Knight, owner of the popular downtown outdoor entertainment venue is being sued by the family of James Young, according to the Tampa Bay Times. 

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According to the Times, 

Young's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Knight in Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Court on Aug. 3, court records show.

The suit claims that a gangplank connecting Knight's boat to the dock was "inherently dangerous" because it did not have a two-sided railing.

Police said Young, of 1010 Central Ave., had been socializing with friends aboard Knight's yacht “Pure Knight Life" when he attempted to step off the boat and onto the dock, but instead fell into the water at the docks near the Vinoy. 

Friends on the boat jumped into the water and pulled Young, who police said was unconscious at this point, back onto the boat and called 911.

Young was transported to Bayfront Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead.

According to the Times, Young's blood-alcohol level was .239 and that he had cocaine in his system.