Father files suit in hit-and-run death

By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- The father of a 14-year-old girl who was killed in a hit-and-run crash is suing the driver charged in her death and the tavern where he believes the driver was drinking alcohol before the crash.
Bryan Studer, administrator of the estate of Kyrsten Studer, Grandview Avenue, Hubbard, filed the lawsuit in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court, seeking $8.5 million in damages. A hearing date has not been set.
VFW Post 3767, Hubbard; the national VFW, in Jefferson City, Mo.; and William Demidovich, Stoneybrook Drive, Hubbard, have been named as defendants. Neither VFW officials nor Demidovich could be reached to comment.
The suit states that on April 4, 2003, Demidovich, a member and patron of the Hubbard VFW, consumed excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages, left the bar and drove his car while under the influence.
While driving west on state Route 304 in Hubbard, Demidovich's car struck a group of young girls walking along the two-lane road and killed Kyrsten Studer, the suit states.
After the crash, Demidovich fled the scene, the suit contends.
It further charges that the VFW had a statutorily imposed duty not to sell or furnish beer or intoxicating liquor to an intoxicated person.
The 69-year-old Hubbard Township man has pleaded innocent to charges of aggravated vehicular homicide while driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, aggravated vehicular assault, and felony hit and run.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol has said he was drinking and playing pool at VFW Post 3767 on West Liberty Street in Hubbard before the crash.
His case is still pending in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court.
If convicted of all charges, Demidovich could face up to 14 years in prison. He remains free on a $50,000 bond.