Family of Ballard student killed in 50-foot fall at Gas Works Park plans to sue city

The family of a Ballard High School student who died after a 50-foot fall at Gas Works Park in July is planning to sue the City of Seattle, KOMO News reported Tuesday.

In the proposed lawsuit, the family requests that the city take action regarding the towers at the park, declare the towers a nuisance, and issue a public apology, among other relief directed by the court, according to the media outlet.

Ballard High School teen dies after fall at Gas Works Park

Mattheis Johnson, 15, was killed in an accident after an outdoor pop-up concert at the park, according to the family’s GoFundMe.

A Seattle Fire Department spokesperson said that Johnson fell from a platform roughly 50 feet in the air. Johnson was later taken to Harborview Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.

“Mattheis was a bright, blossoming soul—an artist, musician, and friend to many. Though he may have seemed shy at first, those who knew him best saw that he lived with incredible vibrance,” Fundraiser organizers Amber Kolln and Katrina Hupp wrote on GoFundMe.

The GoFundMe fundraiser has received nearly 700 donations totaling more than $60,000.

“The outpouring of love from friends, classmates, and neighbors has meant so much to his family. We’ve created this space for those who’ve asked how they can help during this time of profound grief,” Kolln and Hupp wrote. “As his family processes this unimaginable loss, we’re asking for your support in easing the financial burden of end-of-life expenses. Funds raised will go directly toward funeral and memorial costs and to help the family as they take time to grieve.”

The Johnson family mentioned Mattheis played ultimate frisbee and ran track for Ballard High School. Additionally, the family noted that Mattheis sang and produced music, which can be found on Spotify.

“He was constantly making new friends and was never afraid to show a sweet, open-hearted love for his mom—even in public,” Kolln and Hupp wrote. “He was often seen walking his dog with his dad and/or younger brother, just being present in the world around him.”

Seattle Public Schools offers counseling services

In a letter from Seattle Public Schools sent to families, Seattle Public Schools (SPS) wrote that it would provide support and counseling services to those affected by the tragedy.

“I am confident our school community will come together to support one another during this difficult time,” SPS said in the letter. “At present, our school administrative and counseling teams are available and working with known and immediately impacted groups to provide support.”

SPS also noted that ways for students in the community to get in contact with its counseling department upon their return to school in the fall.

“We will also work to ensure that additional supports are in place as students and staff return to school in September. If your student needs support, please have them reach out to our counseling department leads Gail Olson Laing, gsolsonlaing@seattleschools.org, and Sonja Petersen, slpetersen@seattleschools.org.”

MyNorthwest reached out to Seattle Parks and Recreation for comment regarding the lawsuit.

“We cannot comment on active litigation,” a spokesperson stated.

This story was originally published on July 15, 2025. It has been updated and republished since then.

Contributing: Julia Dallas, MyNorthwest

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