Man denies he caused wife's death in Route 4 accident

St. Clair County Circuit Judge Vincent Lopinot was assigned Jan. 17 to a lawsuit against a man being blamed for causing the death of his wife.

Two years after his wife’s death, Harold Vitrey faces a lawsuit blaming him for causing her passing.

Beverly Terveer filed suit against Vitrey Dec. 20. She claims Thelma Vitrey was a passenger in a vehicle Harold Vitrey drove north on Illinois Route 4 near the intersection of Bee Hollow Road on Dec. 2, 2010, when he lost control of the vehicle, skidded off the road, slid down an embankment and struck a tree.

Terveer is special administrator of Thelma Vitrey’s estate.

Due to Thelma Vitrey’s death, Terveer lost her companionship and society, according to the complaint.

Vitrey responded to the complaint Jan. 9, denying Terveer’s allegations. He requests that the court dismiss the complaint.

Terveer seeks a judgment of more than $50,000.

Deanna L. Litzenburg of Mathis, Marifian and Richter of Belleville represents the plaintiff.

Beth C. Boggs and Brent L. Salsbury represent the defense.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 12-L-669.