Curt Wilson
CULLMAN – Ashley Wilson, the mother of Cullman High School student Curtis James Wilson, 15, who died May 7 as a result of injuries sustained in a car wreck that same evening, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Bradford Neal Meeks, 27, of Cullman, the driver of the car that collided head-on with the Wilsons' vehicle. Additionally, the suit claims "negligent/wanton conduct” on the part of Meeks for injuries sustained by Ashley Wilson and contains an underinsured motorist claim against both Allstate and ALFA insurance companies.
“We all are devastated by Curtis's death and are still grieving as a family,” Ashley Wilson said. “He was an absolutely wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew. We are still looking for answers surrounding his death and we hope to find them soon. He was deeply loved and we miss him every single second of every single day.”
Curtis Wilson died at Children's of Alabama after being transported by helicopter from the scene of the wreck, which occurred just after 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 7 in the 2000 block of County Road 222 in front of Van's Sporting Goods.
According to court documents obtained by The Cullman Tribune, Birmingham Attorney Gregory Martin Zarzaur filed the complaint on Ashley Wilson’s behalf on May 18, alleging that:
“Defendant Meeks negligently, wantonly, recklessly and/or otherwise unreasonably drove his Ford Ranger from the westbound lane crossing over the centerline into the Plaintiff’s eastbound lane of travel in violation of the rules of the road and collided head-on with the Plaintiff’s vehicle,” and that Meeks was “unfit to drive and/or failed to maintain control of his vehicle.”
While the crash remains under investigation by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Trooper Curtis Summerville, ALEA public information officer, released a statement on May 8, saying, "Although the circumstances surrounding the crash are still under investigation, (the) preliminary investigation indicates alcohol may have been a factor in the crash." ALEA has not officially confirmed which driver is suspected to have been under the influence of alcohol and no charges have been filed; however, The Cullman Tribune has learned from several sources Meeks was allegedly driving erratically prior to the crash and that he allegedly made statements on the scene that led law enforcement to believe he was not sober. Additionally, Meeks has an extensive criminal history with at least two DUI charges.
Meeks has not been charged in the case.
Traditions Bank of Cullman has set up a fund for the Wilson family. Donations to the Curt Wilson Memorial Fund may be made at any Traditions branch. For Curt: A Celebration of Life, an event organized by friends of the family, will be held on Sunday, June 11 from 1-5 p.m. at the Cullman Elks Lodge.
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