Lawsuit alleges fraud, negligence in 2006 rafting accident that killed Beaufort couple

JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. -- A couple involved in a June 2006 rafting accident that killed two Beaufort County residents has sued the companies responsible for running the tour, according to the Jackson Hole (Wyo.) News and Guide.

John Rizas, 63, and Elizabeth "Betty" Rizas, 58, were two of three people who died on the Snake River, about a mile north of Moose, Wyo., after the raft they were on capsized.

Robert and Patricia Rizas of New Jersey allege that the joint venture between their East Coast tour company, Tauck, and Vail and the Grand Teton Lodge Company was fraudulent and negligent, according to the News and Guide. They are suing for damages including loss of income, earnings, medical expenses, pain and suffering, physical disability and loss of enjoyment of life, as well as punitive damages.

Elizabeth and John Rizas, who lived in Habersham, were plaintiff Robert Rizas' brother and sister-in-law.

The lawsuit claims that the companies were negligent for failing to warn the raft passengers of the dangers they could face by going down the river during peak runoff. They also allege negligence on the part of the companies for failing to properly train the passengers, failing to provide a competent guide and failing to provide raft equipment suited for the conditions.

The lawsuit also claims that the companies knew the river was not safe and that if the companies had admitted the real dangers to the group, the Rizas and their fellow raft passengers likely would have elected not to go on the trip, according to the News and Guide. Elizabeth and John Rizas were retirees who moved to Habersham from southern Maryland.

"They are just two of the most outstanding people you would ever want to meet," Beaufort resident Claire Ketcham said of the couple days after the accident.