Allegedly intoxicated driver caused death of Alton bicyclist, suit says

The relative of a recently deceased man claims he died after an allegedly intoxicated driver struck the bike on which he was riding.

James Arland Stewart III was driving his bicycle on East Broadway in Alton on April 13 at about 9:30 p.m. when defendant Allen Holger Cordes, who was driving a van on the same road, struck his vehicle.

Because of the collision, James Stewart sustained serious bodily injuries, which eventually led to his death, according to the complaint filed May 3 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Plaintiff Margarett Stewart blames Cordes for causing the collision that led to the death, saying he negligently failed to reduce his speed, drove too fast, failed to brake to avoid a collision, failed to keep a proper lookout for bikes and drove while under the influence of alcohol and cannabis.

In her complaint, Margarett Stewart is seeking a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.

Rodney D. Caffey of The Caffey Law Group in Alton will be representing her.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 13-L-696.