Bar, fiancé named in Arkansas car crash wrongful death lawsuit

By Jim Greene

Published on October 20, 2005

Leah Flynn was killed Oct. 8, 2002, when the pickup she was riding in with her fiancé, Andrew Chaikin, failed to negotiate a turn and rolled down a steep embankment, crashing into a tree head on. According to Chaikin, the two had been out for dinner and drinks the evening of the crash.

The suit, filed in Washington County Circuit Court, claims the couple visited George's Majestic Lounge, where Chaikin was served enough alcohol to become a clear danger to others. George's has changed ownership since the fatal crash.

According to Arkansas State Police reports, Chaikin's blood alcohol level was 0.23 at the time of the accident. The legal limit is 0.08 in Arkansas.

Chaikin pleaded guilty in February 2003 to charges of negligent homicide and driving while intoxicated. He was sentenced on the homicide charge to 10 years in state prison, with five years suspended, and was ordered to undergo substance abuse counseling and refrain from alcohol and controlled substances. On the drunk driving charge, he was sentenced to 10 days in jail and a fine of $900, and ordered to pay $300 in court costs.

In addition to the bar, the suit targets four employees who may have served Chaikin alcohol.

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