James Seney, the former mayor of Sylvania, Ohio and a well
known Republican politician, was killed in a recreational boat crash during a
recent fishing trip to Canada. Seney was best known for his long stand as the
mayor of Sylvania, and for his no nonsense attitude to politics.
Seney was on a fishing trip in Canada with some of his old
school friends in Canada, an annual tradition, when the accident happened. The
group was heading back to shore for dinner when the boat steering mechanism
malfunctioned, causing the boat to veer headfirst into a rock wall. Seney and
one of his friends, Robert Foster, was killed instantly. He was 71.
Canadian authorities have confirmed that the two American
men were killed in Lake of the Woods in northwestern Ontario. A third member of
the party was injured in the accident, and is currently in a stable condition
in hospital. The Canadian police are currently investigating the incident.
Seney’s daughter Allison remembers her father as a committed
politician and family man, who enjoyed a range of adventurous activities such
as climbing and fishing. As well as being mayor of Sylvania, Seney was also the
vice president of the Lucas Country Republican Party, and was well respected in
the Republican political community.
Seney grew up in Toledo and graduated high school in 1959.
He served in the military for four years before embarking upon his political
career. Seney served as the mayor of Sylvania, Ohio from 1977 to 1995, as well
as holding a number of Ohio state positions. He was elected as vice chairman of
the Lucas County Republican Party by unanimous vote in July 2010.
As news of Seney’s death spread, individuals in the Ohio
community expressed shock and grief. “He just had the city in mind for
everything he did. It’s going to be a loss to the whole area,” said former
Sylvania city councilman Dr. Read Backus.
Seney is survived by his wife Dawn, their 6 children and 5
grandchildren.
The exact circumstances of the boating accident
which took Seney’s life are still being investigated. However, if it was indeed
a malfunction of the vessel that caused the accident, then the company that
manufactured the boat may be held liable for the deaths and injuries resulting
from the crash. Offshore accidents such as this one happen often, and may have
tragic consequences. If you or someone you know has been involved in an
offshore accident, then you may be entitled to compensation – contact a
specialized maritime accident attorney to have your case evaluated
