Man blames Ky. company, driver for wife's death

CHARLESTON – The husband of a recently deceased woman blames a truck driver for causing his wife's death after allegedly attempting to cross into her lane.

John K. Nelson filed a lawsuit Aug. 20 in Kanawha Circuit Court against Mansea Metal of Winchester, Ky., and Stephen R. Catron.

In his complaint, John Nelson says his wife, Crystal Nelson, was driving her Ford Explorer westbound in the right-hand lane of Interstate 64 on June 12. She was just west of the Cross Lanes exit when Catron, who was driving a large tractor trailer in the center lane, crossed into Crystal Nelson's lane, according to the complaint.

"As a direct and proximate result of defendant Catron's negligent and reckless actions, Mrs. Nelson swerved to avoid colliding with the tractor and trailer and crashed into the guardrail," the suit states.

In the collision, Crystal Nelson suffered severe injuries and died, the complaint says.

Due to his wife's death, John Nelson alleges he has suffered sorrow, mental anguish and solace and lost his wife's society, companionship, comfort, guidance, kindly offices and advice. He also incurred funeral costs, according to the complaint.

John Nelson alleges negligence and recklessness resulting in wrongful death against Catron and his employer, Mansea Metal.

In his complaint, John Nelson seeks compensatory and punitive damages, plus pre- and post-judgment interest, attorney fees, costs and other relief the court deems just.

Robert D. Cline Jr., Robert A. Campbell and R. Chad Duffield of Farmer, Cline and Campbell in Charleston will represent him.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Tod J. Kaufman.

Kanawha Circuit Court case number 14-C-1491