US2 min(s) read
Published 14:24 06 Jun 2026 GMT
A teenager who lost part of his ear and got a concussion at a senior skip day party has decided to pursue legal action against the parents that hosted it.
Blake Barnes, 18, was attending the party at the home of his classmate in Ahwatukee, Phoenix, when a stunt he attempted caused him serious injuries.
According to the lawsuit filed against the classmate's parents, Megan and Brandon Spencer, Barnes had jumped from the roof of the property and attempted to front flip into the pool, but instead hit his head on the pool deck.
Barnes' attorney Brian Foster told Arizona's Family: "My guy actually hit his head on the pool deck and sustained a concussion, tore his ear off. Fire and EMT personnel responded.
"He was unconscious, floating lifeless in the pool."
Barnes was rushed to hospital where blood tests showed his blood alcohol content as 0.114, which is above the legal limit for driving, despite him being under the legal drinking age of 21.
The lawsuit alleged that the Spencers were aware of the party being thrown by their 17-year-old son, and alleges that "alcohol was provided and encouraged".
Foster added: "100 or 150 people attended this raging senior ditch-day party. And in the written notification, he told everybody to bring your own alcohol," referencing a photo included in the lawsuit.
The suit alleges that the Spencers did nothing to prevent minors from drinking at their home and also failed to maintain the property in safe and reasonable conditions, which Barnes' legal team says combined makes them liable for his injuries.
When asked whether the fact his client had consumed alcohol harms Barnes' case, Foster told the outlet: "Look, it’s certainly not a great fact that my client consumed alcohol and had a blood alcohol content.
"But the fact of the matter is the alcohol was provided at the host party at the home where he attended, and the owners of the home knew or should have known that their son was having this rager."
While the Spencers have yet to share a statement, they told the outlet that they had hired an attorney and believed the lawsuit left out a lot of information.
Barnes is seeking compensation for his current and future medical expenses related to the incident, as well as further damages for pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
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