12-Year-Old's Jet Ski Tragedy: Killer's Sentence Sparks Outrage

Man Sentenced for Jet Ski Death

Arsanyous Refat Ghaly, a 20-year-old, received a six-month jail sentence on October 17 for striking and killing...

California Jet Ski Tragedy: Arsanyous Refat Ghaly sentenced to 6 months for striking & killing 12-year-old Savannah Peterson in Mission Bay, San Diego. Peterson's family files wrongful death lawsuit against Ghaly, city & county of San Diego, alleging lifeguard negligence.

Tragedy struck in Mission Bay, San Diego, last July when 12-year-old Savannah Peterson suffered fatal injuries, including blunt force trauma to the head, after being struck by a jet ski operated by Arsanyous Ghaly. Ghaly, who was 18 at the time, pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and will serve a six-month sentence in county jail, followed by 50 days in a work furlough program and two years of probation.

Ghaly was arrested last November but posted bail and remains out of custody until his official sentencing next month. However, this outcome hasn't brought closure to Peterson's family, who have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Ghaly, the city and county of San Diego, and other entities. The lawsuit alleges that lifeguards failed to prevent Ghaly from operating the jet ski recklessly, despite observing him and his friends speeding and issuing a warning just ten minutes before the incident.

Allegations in the Lawsuit:

Excessive Speed: Lifeguards allowed Ghaly to operate the jet ski at dangerously high speeds.

Reckless Operation: Ghaly drove the jet ski in an out-of-control manner before the incident.

Negligent Supervision: Lifeguards failed to ensure Ghaly's safe operation of the jet ski.

The lawsuit underscores the family's pursuit of justice and accountability for Savannah's tragic death.

Arsanyous Refat Ghaly, a 20-year-old, received a six-month jail sentence on October 17 for striking and killing 12-year-old Savannah Peterson with a jet ski in Southern California. Ghaly pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. The tragic incident occurred in July 2023 when Peterson was paddleboarding in Mission Bay, San Diego, and Ghaly, then 18, collided with her on his jet ski.

Prosecutors alleged that Ghaly was speeding between 47 and 53 miles per hour in a 5 miles per hour zone, although the defense disputes this claim. This case highlights the severity of consequences for reckless behavior, especially in areas with speed limits in place to ensure public safety.

In California, where this incident took place, vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence can carry varying sentences depending on factors like prior criminal history and the nature of the crime. Ghaly's six-month sentence reflects the court's consideration of these factors, but the case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible and lawful operation of watercraft.

Pointers:

Incident Details: Ghaly collided with Peterson while operating a jet ski in Mission Bay, San Diego.

Charges: Vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence.

Sentence: Six-month jail term.

Speed Dispute: Prosecutors claimed Ghaly was speeding, but the defense contests this allegation.

Location: Southern California, specifically Mission Bay, San Diego