Family of 13-year-old sues City of Everett over cable that caused deadly bike crash

Family files lawsuit over cable that caused 13-year-old's fatal bike crash

The family of a 13-year-old boy who died after colliding with a braided cable while riding an electric bike is suing the City of Everett over the fatal crash.

EVERETT, Wash. - The family of a 13-year-old boy who died after colliding with a braided cable while riding an electric bike is suing the City of Everett over the fatal crash.

The complaint alleges the city knew about the cable, which was strung between a neighbor's fence post and a traffic bollard.

The backstory:

The crash happened on May 2, 2025, where Emiliano Munoz rode his e-bike off 5th Avenue West onto a grassy area toward a cul-de-sac. While going through the grassy area, Munoz ran into the wire, which the lawsuit claims was "barely visible."

Munoz was badly hurt in the accident, and he later died at Harborview Medical Center. The cable was removed shortly after.

The cable was illegally installed and set up right off a public right of way, the lawsuit states.

The Everett Police Department previously made note of the cable after an April 2024 incident, where a truck fleeing from police ran into the cable. The complaint also says the city knew about the cable from regular inspections by utilities, maintenance, public works, and graffiti patrols, in addition to the police report.

The lawsuit claims the city allowed the "unreasonably dangerous cable" to remain in place, which resulted in the death of 13-year-old Emiliano Munoz.

Dig deeper:

Emiliano's mom and dad are still celebrating the his life, displaying a memorial banner signed by friends and loved ones.

"So many good moments, so many good memories with him," said Alejandro Munoz, Emiliano's father. "The only thing we have is pictures."

A memorial for Emiliano still sits where the accident happened, six months later. 

"It’s sad that I don’t have him anymore, it’s something I never thought about it," said Alejandro.

He was a good student, loved his friends, school and football.  His middle school jersey now hangs on the wall. He was the couple’s only son.

"Nothing, nothing is going to give me back my son," said Alejandro.

The family says Emiliano was an organ donor, and as a last act of kindness, the 13-year-old gave life to others.

"Seven people are living because of him now," said Alejandro.

What's next:

Munoz's family is seeking compensation to cover damages, costs and attorney fees. The city of Everett has until October 14 to respond to the complaint.

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