Man sues his parents for son's drowning

The father of a boy who allegedly drowned in his grandparents' pool filed a wrongful death suit against his own parents.

William Stough, Jr., claims his parents, Dollie and William Stough, Sr., offered to "supervise, nurture, provide proper care and to 'baby-sit'" his son Austen at their home on July 28, 2007, according to the suit filed in Madison County Circuit Court Jan. 16.

Seeking damages in excess of $150,000, Stough, Jr., claims his parents caused an injury to his son which eventually resulted in his death when they failed to secure and make safe a swimming pool located at their house. The complaint states that Austen was caused to trip and fall in the swimming pool.

Stough Jr. claims his parents negligently and carelessly permitted their above-ground pool to remain unguarded, uncovered and unsecured, failed to maintain a safety cover or railing to prevent stumbling, tripping or falling and failed to supervise and protect Austen from a condition of "imminent peril."

He claims that Austen suffered injuries that caused pain and suffering before his death, plus medical expenses.

Represented by Bruce Mattea of Collinsville, Stough, Jr. also claims that he has incurred funeral and burial expenses.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge David Hylla.