An Arizona high school student who attended a Senior Ditch Day party and ended up in the hospital after consuming alcohol is now taking legal action against the family who hosted the event. Blake Barnes, a senior at Desert Vista High School in Phoenix, filed a lawsuit last month against Brandon and Megan Spencer, the parents of a classmate, alleging that they allowed underage drinking at their home and failed to supervise the gathering.
The lawsuit claims that the Spencers were aware their son was organizing a "Senior Ditch Day party" on April 13 and that Brandon Spencer admitted knowing about the event. However, the Spencers have denied the allegations, with Brandon Spencer telling the Phoenix New Times that the lawsuit contains "a lot of false information." The party reportedly attracted around 60 students, including Barnes, who was then 17 years old.
According to the filing, Barnes received an invitation via Snapchat that instructed attendees to "byo alc" (bring your own alcohol). Despite this, the lawsuit alleges that alcohol was "provided ... by the owners and occupants" of the home. Barnes claims he consumed so much alcohol that he required medical attention and was taken by ambulance to a hospital, where his blood alcohol level was measured at 0.114 — well above the legal driving limit of 0.08.
The lawsuit does not specify whether Barnes's injury was directly caused by alcohol poisoning or if he was hurt while intoxicated. However, it accuses the Spencers of failing to monitor alcohol consumption or prevent "reckless activities" such as "jumping off the house roof into the swimming pool."
Barnes, who turned 18 shortly after the incident, walked at his graduation three days after filing the lawsuit. He is seeking damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. The Spencers have stated they are seeking legal counsel and will communicate through their attorney.
