Family of Alabama teen killed in crash sues 3 restaurants for serving alleged DUI driver 18 drinks

The family of Priceville teen Chloe Rose Hastings, who was killed in a crash with Kevin Jay Penich, has named a handful of Decatur restaurants in a recently filed wrongful death suit.

The complaint alleges that these restaurants served Penich a total of 18 drinks on the night of the accident.

Previous court records state that Penich, 35, smelled of alcohol and told police he had been drinking after the crash, which occurred around 9:00 p.m. on May 17.

The complaint names Buffalo Wild Wings, Logan’s Roadhouse, and Alfonso’s in Decatur, claiming that Penich ordered four shots and two beers from each location that night.

It says that Hastings’ death was a “direct and foreseeable result” of the defendants’ negligence in training and hiring.

The complaint adds that the restaurants also violated a section of Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Rules and Regulations which states: “No licensee or employee of a licensee shall serve or dispense alcoholic beverages to any person visibly intoxicated.”

The wreck happened at the intersection of Beltline Road S.W. and Westmeade Street, according to court records.

Responding officers were told the driver was trapped inside.

When first responders arrived, they found Hastings’ Chevrolet Equinox engulfed in flames.

Prior to their arrival, multiple passersby stopped and tried to help, police said.

Hastings’ SUV exploded, seriously injuring a Good Samaritan who police labeled a hero, according to a previous report from AL.com’s Carol Robinson.

Hastings, 17, was pronounced dead on the scene.

Court records state Penich’s Toyota Camry had heavy front-end damage.

Charging documents allege Penich was also speeding and noted that Hastings’ SUV had been knocked between 80 to 100 feet from the point of impact.

During a preliminary hearing this week, investigators said Penich was driving at 111 mph when he hit Hastings’ car, according to a report from WAFF.

Hastings had just finished her junior year at Priceville High School.

She was described by Hartselle First Methodist Student Ministry as “a ray of sunshine wherever she went with a heart of generosity and kindness.”

Penich has been charged with murder and driving under the influence and is currently being held in Morgan County Jail under a $7,500 cash bond.