The father of a five-year-old girl who was killed in a July car crash that involved Wisconsin Senate minority leader Janet Bewley has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the senator, the driver who struck the vehicle his daughter was in, and three insurance companies.
Brandon Fink, the father of the five-year-old killed in the crash filed the lawsuit in Ashland County Circuit Court. The five-year-old’s mother, 27-year-old Alyssa Ortman, also died in the crash.
The fatal crash took place in July after Bewley was pulling out of a beach entrance at Lake Superior Beach. After pulling into the road, Bewley struck Ortman's vehicle, causing it to spin out onto Highway 2. After spinning into traffic, Ortman’s vehicle was struck by an oncoming vehicle driven by Jodi Munson. Bewley was not injured in the crash.
After authorities arrived at the crash site, the five-year-old was declared dead at the scene. Ortman later passed away after being taken to a nearby hospital.
According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Bewley was on the phone with one of the paper’s interns who was conducting an interview about the upcoming fall elections. The intern details that Bewley shared she had cataract surgery on her eye the day before. Although Bewley was using a hands-free mobile phone when the crash occurred, the police report which was obtained by the Associated Press details that she was nonetheless driving distracted, according to the Sentinel.
As detailed by his lawsuit, Fink contends that Bewley, Ortman, and Munson are responsible for his daughter’s death. Fink argues that Bewley was driving distracted and that his daughter’s mother had failed to remain in control of her vehicle, causing it to spin out into oncoming traffic. He also alleges that Munson failed to maintain a proper lookout, causing her to strike Orman’s vehicle.
Following the crash, Bewley’s office released a statement that read in part, “This is a heartbreaking event for the community. Our thoughts and prayers are focused on the individuals involved, their families, and their loved ones.” The statement adds, “Senator Bewley, who was not seriously injured in the accident, wants to thank all the dedicated law enforcement and emergency medical personnel who helped in the aftermath of the accident.”
Fink’s lawsuit is seeking at least $10,000 in damages and a jury trial. The Senator's office has not issued a statement regarding the lawsuit. According to reports, Ashland County District Attorney David Meany explains that his office has received reports from law enforcement about the crash; however, it’s not been decided whether any charges will be brought against any individuals in the case.
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