Ryan Dunn Estate Sued by Parents of Fellow Car Crash Victim
The parents of the passenger killed with Ryan Dunn in the car accident last year are suing Dunn's estate for "reckless and negligent" driving.
In June 2011, Zachary Hartwell was riding with Dunn, who was driving his Porsche at high speeds while under the influence of alcohol, according to TMZ.
Dunn starred on MTV's series "Jacka--" as a stunt man and personality, while Hartwell was a production assistant on the film "Jacka-- Number Two."
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George and Erma Hartwell, the parents of Zachary, are seeking compensation to cover expenses associated with their son's death, including funeral costs and the wages he would have earned in his lifetime, TMZ reported.
The Hartwells are also suing the bar owners of Barnaby's of America for providing alcohol to Dunn who was "visibly intoxicated" ahead of the fatal car crash in West Goshen Township, Pennsylvania.
Just days after the deaths of Dunn and Hartwell, police revealed that Dunn had a blood alcohol level that was twice the legal limit and was driving at speeds upward of 130 mph.
The Porsche had swerved off the road and crashed into a tree, and Hartwell's parents are claiming their son's death was a direct result of "negligence, carelessness and recklessness" on the part of both Dunn and Barnaby's.
Moreover, the Hartwells are suing over the "pain and suffering [Hartwell experienced prior to his death … including … anxiety, pre-impact fright, fear, pain and suffering."
It was not specified how much Hartwell's parents are seeking, however, Dunn may still be liable despite that fact that he is deceased.
Dunn was 34 years old at the time of his death, while Hartwell was 30.
The stunt-performing Dunn was a part of the "Jacka--" crew for over a decade as they filmed numerous episodes, three films, and numerous over-the-top stunts.
Other "Jacka--" stars Johnny Knoxville, Jerff Tremaine, and Steve-O mourned the loss of the cast member.
"I don't know what to say, except I love Ryan Dunn and I'm really going to miss him," said Steve-O, while Knoxville released a statement: "Today I lost my brother Ryan Dunn. My heart goes out to his family and his beloved Angie. RIP Ryan, I love you buddy."
Tremaine wrote that Dunn was "family" and that he was "deeply devastated."
Additionally, MTV released a statement: "We're deeply saddened by the passing of a member of the MTV family, Ryan Dunn. Our hearts and thoughts are with his friends and family."
