In Minneapolis, the family of a man killed in a hit-and-run crash has filed a wrongful death suit against former Minnesota Viking Joe Senser and his wife, Amy, saying they want answers and accountability: In suing Sensers, family of the victim asks, 'Why?'Amy Senser told investigators she was driving the SUV that struck and killed Ansousone "Bic" Phanthavongon, a chef at a nearby Thai restaurant who was pouring gas into his stalled car on an exit ramp when he was hit. He was declared dead at the scene.
But instead trying to get medical help or notifying the collision to authorities immediately, Senser apparently drove away, waited a day to report the incident and refused to speak with investigators. That's clearly a hit-and-run:
The wrongful death suit alleges that Amy Senser "demonstrated a deliberate disregard for the rights and safety of others" when she allegedly struck and killed Anousone Phanthavong, 38, on an Interstate 94 ramp at the Riverside Avenue exit. Phanthavong, head cook at a nearby restaurant, had just left work and was putting gas in his vehicle when he was struck.No charges have been filed against Amy Senser. But Phanthavong's family argues that if any other driver would have been arrested by now. The victim's body, evidence at the scene and damage to the car make it pretty hard to believe she was oblivious to the fact that she'd been in an accident.
"The hospital is down the street, one block," said Vilayphone Phanthavong, the victim's sister, describing the exit ramp's proximity to University of Minnesota Medical Center. "She could have called the hospital. What do these people have to hide?"
Senser is married to former Vikings star Joe Senser, who is the registered owner of the vehicle that struck Anousone Phanthavong.
The lawsuit, filed in Hennepin County District Court, asks for at least $50,000 for funeral and burial expenses, loss of support and damages. The lawsuit alleges that Joe Senser, as the registered owner of the vehicle, is liable for his wife's negligence.
However, authorities say it usually takes time, even up to a year, to build a case and file charges for a traffic-related fatality. More here: Why no charges yet in fatal hit-and-run involving Amy Senser?
