Family of Man Killed at Virginia Historic Site Files $5 Million Lawsuit

By Jim Greene

Published on January 19, 2006

John C. Riley, 64, of Lynchburg, was killed in May 2004 in Colonial Williamsburg (CW), a 300-acre historic area in the city of Williamsburg, when he was backed over by a Freightliner truck driven by John Louis Wade, 55, a CW employee.

Named as defendants in the lawsuit were the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, the Colonial Williamsburg Co., the Penske Truck Leasing Co., and Wade. Penske and CW are accused of negligence for failing to properly inspect and maintain the truck that killed Riley; CW and Wade are accused of negligence for failing to operate the truck safely.

After the accident, authorities said a beeper alarm that is supposed to sound when the truck is being operated in reverse gear was working intermittently. The lawsuit alleges Riley, a tour bus driver, was walking with his back to the truck when he was crushed.

Wade was convicted in September 2004 on a charge of misdemeanor reckless driving.

The suit was filed on behalf of Riley's estate by his widow and his son, Margie F. Riley and John A. Riley, who are beneficiaries of the estate, along with a daughter. It asks compensation for damages including severe mental anguish and medical and funeral expenses.

Comment on this article →