On August 22, 2022, 19-year-old Jordan Markie tragically died by suicide inside the Scheels Sporting Goods Store at Eden Prairie Center, Minnesota. This heartbreaking incident has led to a wrongful death lawsuit filed by his mother, Sara Van Bogart, against Scheels All Sports Inc. and employee William Balantine, accusing them of negligence and failure to follow industry-standard safety protocols.
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Details of the Incident and Lawsuit Allegations
According to court documents, Markie entered the store and requested to see a Taurus G2C 9mm handgun. William Balantine, a certified firearm trainer employed by Scheels, handed over the firearm without verifying Markie’s age or identity—despite Minnesota law requiring individuals to be at least 21 years old to purchase a handgun. The gun was provided loaded, without a trigger lock or any disabling device, and with a magazine containing ammunition.
Within minutes, Markie tragically used the firearm to take his own life inside the store.
Alleged Negligence and Industry Comparisons
The lawsuit highlights that Scheels’ actions violated accepted safety practices and were negligent. It contrasts Scheels’ policies with those of major retailers like Walmart and Dick’s Sporting Goods, which enforce strict gun safety measures, including refusing firearm sales to anyone under 21.
Further allegations note that Markie’s nervous behavior and attempts to access locked gun cabinets raised warning signs that staff failed to address. The lawsuit claims that failure to question Markie’s age or intentions, combined with immediate access to a loaded gun, created a dangerous environment leading to this tragedy.
Legal and Community Impact
Sara Van Bogart’s legal representation stresses the critical need for basic security procedures—such as age verification and use of trigger locks—to prevent similar incidents. They argue that if Scheels had followed these precautions, Jordan Markie’s death might have been avoided.
Scheels has not issued a public comment on the lawsuit. The case is currently under review in Hennepin County District Court, with potential implications for firearm sales protocols and retailer responsibilities nationwide.
Remembering Jordan Markie
Jordan is remembered as a kind, artistic young man with a passion for music and medieval history. His untimely death underscores the urgent need for responsible gun safety practices and mental health awareness.
Mental Health Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, help is available. In the United States, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—offering free, confidential support 24/7.
