Family sues Target after 10-month-old allegedly dies from swallowing water bead toy

HENNEPIN COUNTY, Minn. (WCCO) - A Wisconsin family has filed a lawsuit against Target after they say their baby died from swallowing a water bead.

The suit was filed this week in Hennepin County, Minnesota, which is home to Target’s headquarters.

The lawsuit claims the store failed to warn customers about the dangers of a water bead product sold exclusively by the retailer.

According to the Bethard family, they bought a water bead set from Target in 2022 for one of their older children.

Target and the toy manufacturer mutually agreed to pull the product later that year after a situation involving a different child occurred.

However, the Bethards say they were never notified of any issues and kept the toy in their home.

According to the family, they say their 10-month-old daughter swallowed a single water bead in 2023, leading to her death.

The lawsuit alleges Target failed to warn customers of the danger.

A spokesperson for Target says they couldn’t comment on ongoing litigation.