A Texas mother has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against a restaurant owned by NBA star James Harden, alleging that the establishment overserved alcohol to a driver who caused a fatal crash that killed seven people, including NFL player D.J. Hayden.
Cassaundra Jackson filed the lawsuit in Harris County, which includes Houston, on December 6, according to USA Today. The suit claims that Harden's restaurant, Thirteen, served excessive alcohol to Christian Herrera, who was driving under the influence and caused the crash that killed Jackson's 30-year-old daughter, Taylar Jackson.
The crash occurred on November 11, 2023, when Herrera, 25, ran a red light and collided with an SUV driven by 32-year-old Lauren Robinson-Holliday, local outlet 12 News Now reports. Herrera and Robinson-Holliday died at the scene, while Hayden was pronounced dead at a hospital. Taylar Jackson succumbed to her injuries on April 29, 2024.
The lawsuit alleges that Herrera was “obviously intoxicated” and “presented a clear danger to himself and others,” according to USA Today. Police reported his blood alcohol level was 0.139. Jackson is seeking $1 million in damages under the Texas Dram Shop Act, which can hold establishments liable for injuries caused by intoxicated patrons.
The suit also argues that Thirteen underpays staff, forcing them to rely on tips from large alcohol tabs. A spokesperson for the restaurant expressed sympathies to the family and said they are gathering more information before making a formal statement.
