A wrongful death suit alleges a dirt bike rider died on Father’s Day in 2020 when he crashed into a tree at an Alton track.
Donald W. Crangle Sr., as personal representative of the estate of Donald W. Crangle Jr., filed the lawsuit in the Madison County Circuit Court against Terry A. Meyer, doing business as Ride Organic MX, alleging negligence, premises liability and wrongful death.
The suit was filed by attorney Ryan Campbell of Morgan & Morgan PA in St. Louis.
The suit states that Meyer “owned, operated, managed, maintained and controlled a motocross dirt track and riding/training facility … commonly known and advertised to the public as Ride Organic MX” in Alton.
The facility allegedly has multiple tracks, including a dirt “Pro Track,” which is available for both professional and non-professional riders. The track contains elements such as jumps, rollers, ramps and turns. Specifically, it contained a “series of jumps that lead to a straight section down toward a creek bed, resulting in a sharp left-hand hairpin style turn.”
The suit states that prior to June 21, 2020, riders were required to ride past a single tree within the pro-track - referred to as “the tree” in the lawsuit. “The tree” was situated between the entrance and exit of the hairpin turn. A ramp in the turn allegedly “launched” riders down the entrance of the turn, landing near “the tree.”
While there were trees along the edges of the track, the suit states that there were no other trees anywhere within the pro-track near ramps, jumps or rollers.
“At all times here relevant, the tree presented a known danger and a defective condition on the premises; but despite this, Meyer placed no signage or warning of the dangerous and hazardous condition caused by the tree,” the suit states.
According to the complaint, Crangle Jr. was riding his 2019 Yamaha dirt bike on the pro track and was making his way toward the hairpin turn at around 11 a.m. on June 21, 2020. He allegedly hit the ramp entering the turn and collided with the tree upon landing.
The suit states that Crangle Jr. suffered serious head injuries requiring emergency air evacuation. He was airlifted to Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, where he died from his injuries. He was 27 years old at the time of his death, but the incident occurred one week before his birthday.
The suit states that Crangle is survived by his father, mother, sister and two minor sons.
“Though he was taken too soon, Donny touched the lives of many during his short time on Earth,” his obituary states. “Bold and fearless, he conquered every challenge he faced with hard work and determination. This was especially true for his two sons to whom he was deeply committed.”
“Donny was a gentle soul and a loyal friend to many,” it continued. “His acts of kindness and generosity will live on in our hearts forever. There is no doubt he now resides in Heaven. We will never forget his impact on our lives and keep him always in our memories. Donny is survived by his two sons, Elliot and Owen. May God watch over them for all eternity.”
The plaintiff alleges the defendants knew or should have known that the tree presented a dangerous, hazardous condition, allowed a hazardous condition to exist on the pro track and failed to remove the dangerous condition. He also alleges the defendants failed to conduct a reasonable inspection of the premises, failed to provide adequate warnings of the tree’s existence.
The plaintiff seeks a judgment in excess of $50,000 for each count, plus court costs and attorney’s fees.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 22-LA-468