Maker, Seller of Pokemon Ball Sued Over Death

Hasbro Inc., maker of Pokemon Power Bouncer Balls, and the Toys R Us Inc. toy-store chain have been sued over the choking death of an autistic child who swallowed a Pokemon ball. Kevin Brazier, the father of 7-year-old Robert Brazier, who died in January, said the Pokemon rubber ball--a clear sphere with a colorful Pokemon character inside--is too small for young children and encourages them to try to open it with their mouths. He is demanding a recall and asking for more than $100 million in damages. Hasbro, whose Pokemon toys are all the rage with young children, said the ball is safe and meets federal safety regulations. About 8 million balls were sold worldwide, Hasbro said. The toy Robert Brazier choked on was bought at a Toys R Us store in New York, the suit said. Shares in Pawtucket, R.I.-based Hasbro closed down 6 cents at $22, while Toys R Us, which is based in Paramus, N.J., rose $1.63 to close at $16.50, both on the NYSE.