Jackson man says daughter-in-law negligent in fatal crash

RIPLEY – A Jackson County man is suing the estate of his daughter-in-law, alleging she caused the deaths of his grandchildren.

Sattis R. Parsons, Jr. has filed a wrongful death suit against the estate of Renea Parsons, in which his son, Robert M. Parsons, 52, is the administrator. In his complaint, filed Oct. 3 in Jackson Circuit Court, Sattis, 77 and of Kenna, alleges Renea’s carelessness while operating her vehicle two years ago not only resulted in her death, but also the deaths of her two children -- Dominic, 2, and Brayleigh, 2 months.

According to the suit, Renea, 27, was driving her 1999 Volkswagen Jetta northbound on Interstate 77 on Oct. 3, 2010. Though Dominic and Brayleigh were passengers, the suit does not specify where they were in the car.

At a time not specified near Fairplain, the suit alleges Renea caused her car to “cross the median and enter the southbound lanes of traffic and skid sideways into the path of a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta” driven by Amy VanDorp. The collision resulted in Parson’s Jetta propelling “over the guardrail.”

According to the suit, both Renea and Brayleigh died at the scene. Dominic died four days later as a result of the injuries he received in the crash.

According to their death certificates, Renea’s, Brayleigh’s and Dominic’s deaths were ruled accidental. Also, the death certificates stated Brayleigh and Dominic were restrained when the crash occurred.

Records show on Dec. 20, 2010, the Jackson County Commission appointed Robert as administrator for all three estates. An appraisement of Renea’s estate listed two $5,000 polices from Nationwide Insurance.

For reasons not specified, Robert resigned as administrator of Brayleigh’s and Dominic’s estates. The Commission on Sept. 25 appointed Sattis as the new administrator.

In the suit, Sattis maintains Renea’s negligence not only caused Brayleigh’s and Dominic’s wrongful deaths, but also bodily injuries, disfigurement, physical pain and suffering and mental anguish. Also, the estates have incurred medical bills and funeral expenses, including the cost of a grave marker.

Sattis seeks unspecified damages, interest, courts costs and attorneys fees. He is represented by Ripley attorneys Kevin C. Harris and Eric J. Holmes.

The case is assigned to Judge Thomas C. Evans III

Jackson Circuit Court case number 12-C-134