Teen's estate sues over fiery crash, death

The estate of a 17-year-old passenger died two years ago in a fiery car crash in Collinsville filed a wrongful death suit against the survivors of the 21-year-old driver responsible for the accident.

As co-administrator of the estate of Brandon Krug, Anita Bogle filed against Edward LaBruyere's estate Jan. 5, in Madison County Circuit Court.

Bogle claims that on Jan. 14, 2004, LaBruyere was driving his 1986 Mercury Topaz at a high rate of speed at approximately 3:40 a.m. northbound in the 1100 block of McDonough Lake Road in Collinsville when the vehicle left the roadway to the right, struck a culvert, vaulted, came to a rest on its roof, then caught fire and burned.

Bogle claims LaBruyere negligently drove his vehicle at an excessive rate of speed, failed to decrease his speed to avoid a collision, failed to maintain control of his vehicle and carelessly failed to maintain a proper lookout.

According to the complaint, Krug sustained serious injuries which later resulted in his death.

LaBruyere was pronounced dead at the scene, Krug later died at the burn unit at St. John's Mercy in Creve Coeur, Mo.

Two other passengers also sustained injuries in the accident, including Matthew Nonn, 16 at the time of the accident, and son of Madison County Coroner Steve Nonn.

According to news reports at the time of the accident, Nonn was taken to Children's Hospital in St. Louis. He sustained a broken orbital socket of his right eye, scrapes and bruises.

The other passenger was Bryan Mills, 18, of Granite City. He was also treated at the St. John's burn unit.

Bogle claims she and her husband have suffered great losses of a personal and pecuniary nature, including the loss of companionship and society of their son.

Bogle is seeking damages in excess of $50,000. She also is seeking damages to compensate her for burial and funeral expenses.

She is represented by Michael Meehan of Edwardsville.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge George Moran.

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