Wrongful Death Lawsuit Settles for $250,000

Christina Cole

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A wrongful death lawsuit has been settled with a Mother whose son was killed when a state representative's son hit him in a fatal drunken car crash.

After pleading guilty last year to a felony charge of leaving the scene of the accident that resulted in death and a misdemeanor count of drunk driving, Andrew Saunders, has been ordered to serve four years in prison.

Saunders was driving a car registered to his Father, Representative Tom Saunders, on February 4, 2005, after drinking at the New Castle Elks Lodge when he hit Thomas Michael Jackman. Jackman's Mother, Olive, filed a wrongful death suit involving Saunders and the Elk Club that served him drinks, but has agreed to settle the case for $250,000 according to Henry Circuit Court records.

As part of the settlement, the Elks Club denies any liability for the injuries.

During his sentencing hearing in December, Saunders told Thomas Jackman's 92-year-old mother that he was sorry. Olive Jackman said her son had helped her around the house with banking and other responsibilities. She now must rely on the help of friends.

The Associated Press left messages seeking comment Monday at Tom Saunders' home and Statehouse office. Saunders was first elected to the Indiana House in 1996. His district covers parts of Henry, Randolph and Wayne counties in eastern Indiana.