'Shark Tank' star sued over fatal boat crash

Reality TV star Kevin O'Leary and his wife were sued Wednesday over an August boat crash in Canada's backwoods that killed two people and seriously injured three.

In this Nov. 19, 2017, file photo, Linda O'Leary and Kevin O'Leary arrive at the American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Linda O'Leary, the wife of "Shark Tank" star Kevin O'Leary, has been charged with careless operation of a vessel in a fatal boat crash in Canada, authorities said Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019. [File Photo: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP]

Linda O'Leary is accused of being over the alcohol limit, on drugs and speeding at the helm of one of two boats in the late-night collision on Lake Joseph, Ontario.

The O'Learys were named in a civil suit launched by the family of Susanne Brito, 48, their passenger who succumbed to her injures in hospital days after the crash.

Accountant Gary Poltash, 64, a passenger in the other boat, was also killed.

"For this grieving family, it is about obtaining civil justice so as to prevent these types of deaths and curtailing reckless and dangerous behavior from continuing on our lakes," said a lawyer for Brito's family, who are seeking damages of Can$2 million (US$1.5 million).

Already charged with careless operation of the vessel, Linda O'Leary faces a fine if convicted.

New York resident Richard Ruh, who was at the helm of the other boat and is also named in the suit, was charged in September with failing to exhibit navigation lights.

The plaintiffs allege that O'Leary "suddenly and without warning drove (her) power boat directly into the path of the Ruh power boat."

They say she was driving too fast and failed to "keep a proper lookout" for other vessels in the busy channel.

"At the time, her faculties of observation, perception, judgment and self-control were impaired due to alcohol and drugs," the Brito family allege.

They accuse O'Leary of "texting, dialing, talking, or otherwise using a mobile or electronic device just before and at the time she struck the Ruh power boat."

Kevin O'Leary is one of five investors who decide how to spend their cash on ABC's Emmy Award-winning "Shark Tank."

A statement of defense has not yet been filed and none of the allegations has been proven in court.

Several boats had been out on the lake the night of August 24 to watch fireworks or stargaze when the crash happened around 11:30 pm (0330 GMT).

Police told AFP a large wakeboarding boat and a smaller ski boat collided on the lake where O'Leary has a luxury cottage, around 220 miles (350 kilometers) north of Toronto.