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Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
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Parents Sue ‘Jackass’ Star’s Estate, Bar Over DUI Crash

PHILADELPHIA (CN) - The parents of the passenger killed in "Jackass" star Ryan Dunn's drunk-driving crash in 2011 have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Dunn's father and the bar that served the two men alcohol.

Dunn, 34, and his 30-year-old friend, Zachary Hartwell, died when Dunn drove his Porsche 911 off the road and crashed into the woods on June 20, 2011 after a night of drinking at Barnaby's in downtown West Chester.

George and Erma Hartwell claim their son died because of the negligence and recklessness of Dunn and Barnaby's.

They say the bar "had a duty not to serve beverages to any persons who are visibly intoxicated, including Ryan M. Dunn, now deceased."

Dunn's estate is "legally liable and responsible for the negligence, recklessness and other violations committed by Ryan Dunn," according to the lawsuit in Philadelphia County Court.

Dunn had been speeding and his blood alcohol content was more than twice the state's legal limit when he lost control and crashed. The Porsche then burst into flames.

The Hartwells are suing Dunn's father, Ronald Dunn, and Andrew Conaghy as co-administrators of Ryan Dunn's estate for negligence, reckless and wrongful death.

They accuse Barnaby's of negligence, wrongful death and dram-shop violations.

Dunn, a star of the "Jackass" television show and movies, performed many dangerous stunts and practical jokes. He also appeared in his own MTV show "Homewrecker" and the "Jackass" spinoff "Viva la Bam," starring his longtime friend and collaborator Bam Margera.

Zachary Hartwell's parents are represented by John Zervanos of Soloff & Zervanos.

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