Mother sues driver over son's death

The mother of a recently deceased man has filed suit against the allegedly intoxicated driver who she claims struck her son as he attempted to cross the street. The driver then fled the scene, according to the complaint.

Connie Courtney claims her son, John Courtney, was crossing Manchester Avenue in St. Louis on July 4 at about 12:33 a.m. when defendant Justin Kramarczyk, who was driving a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe west on the same road, struck him. Following the collision, Kramarczyk fled the scene, even though he knew John Courtney had suffered life-threatening injuries and needed immediate medical attention, according to the complaint filed Oct. 6 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

Because of the incident, John Courtney died, the suit states. In turn, his mother lost her son's society, companionship, guidance, advice, love, affection and financial support, the complaint says.

Connie Courtney blames Kramarczyk for causing the collision, saying he negligently drove too fast, failed to keep his vehicle under proper control, failed to stop or swerve to avoid a collision, failed to keep a proper lookout and drove while under the influence of intoxicating beverages.

In her two-count complaint, Connie Courtney is seeking a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs.

She will be represented by David C. Nelson of Nelson and Nelson in Belleville.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 11-L-568.