A consent judgment has been issued in the Grundy County Circuit Court regarding a wrongful death suit stemming from a fatality accident May 31A motor vehicle collided with a horse and buggy claiming the life of 57-year-old Elizabeth Hostetler of Spickard and injuring her ten-year-old daughter.
Joe Hostetler filed the lawsuit last July against the driver of the vehicle, Christina Diane Airey of Trenton. Circuit Court Judge Thomas Alley approved a judgment in count one of the Hostetlerpetition for wrongful death; and a judgment as to count two approving a minors’ settlement and distribution of net proceeds. No dollar figures were divulged in the online court information.
In quoting the petition filed in late July 26, Hostetler accused Airey of being negligent; driving too fast for conditions; speeding; failing to keep a careful lookout; failing to stop, swerve, honk, or take other action; and failure to yield right of way which contributed to the collision and Elizabeth Hostetler’s fatal injury. A second count involved a personal injury claim against Airey regarding the daughter, Maria, who was injured while a passenger in the buggy.
The suit did not request a specific amount for damages other than associated court costs and further relief as the court deemed just for the wrongful death claim. The petition also requested unspecified damages for Maria Hostetler due to her physical and mental injuries; the costs expended and incurred, and other relief as the court deemed just for a personal injury claim.
Last September in Associate Division of Grundy County Circuit Court, Christina Airey pleaded guilty to a state charge of operating a vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner involving an accident – a misdemeanor. On a plea agreement, Ms. Airey received a suspended six months sentence in the county jail; probation for two years; a $500 fine plus court costs; and to perform 100 hours of community service work.
