CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - The Champaign City Council has authorized the settlement of a wrongful death lawsuit filed against the City of Champaign and its police officers by the Estate of Ross Booker.
The News Gazette reports the council approved the settlement at a meeting Tuesday.
>>Family of Ross Booker voices approval of judge decision
Booker, who was employed by a tow truck company, was hit and killed by a passing driver while cleaning debris at the scene of an accident in March 2022.
Garrett Wingler, 16, of Tolono admitted to failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident in connection to the March 5 crash.
Investigators said Wingler initially was ticketed by Champaign police because he mistakenly first told officers he had been in the left lane instead of the right lane. Squad car and tow truck cameras confirmed he was in the proper lane.
Booker and other responders were responding at 8:35 p.m. to the area of Windsor Road and Neil Street in Champaign, where a two-vehicle crash had occurred. Squad cars were in the area as Wingler had left his job at Harvest Market and was driving.
Booker was at the rear of a squad car sweeping up debris from the crash. A detective said Wingler "saw Ross Booker and tried to serve (to avoid hitting him) but was unable."
The City Council approved the $2 million settlement, resulting in the dismissal of the lawsuit.
The settlement amount will be paid from the City’s insurance policies.
“This is a very tragic situation,” said City Attorney Thomas Yu. “With the assistance of an expert mediator, the parties participated in formal mediation, which included a comprehensive evaluation of the risks and expenses if the case proceeded to trial. Ultimately, the proposed settlement was determined to be in the best interests of all involved.”
Copyright 2024 WAND TV. All rights reserved.
