Settlement reached in Fatal Ohio Motorcycle Crash; Second Suit Filed

By Jim Greene

Published on January 30, 2006

Brian Vanasdal, 36, of Dover, was killed Aug. 26, 2004, in New Philadelphia when a car driven by Justin A. Meese, then 23, struck his motorcycle. According to police reports, Vanasdal had the right-of-way when Meese, of New Philadelphia, made a left turn onto the street upon which Vanasdal was riding.

A wrongful death suit filed by Jane Vanasdal, the victim's widow, against Meese in Tuscarawas County Common Pleas Court last January, has been settled for court costs and an undisclosed amount in excess of $25,000.

Jane Vanasdal has filed a second suit over the incident, alleging that two businesses located at the intersection where the fatal crash occurred had put up signs that obstructed the view of the intersection, a situation that caused Brian Vanasdal's death. Named in the latter suit are Carol A. Beavers, Vicki L. Lehigh and Realty Executives, a New Philadelphia company, and Michael and Mary Edwards of Dover, owners of Edwards Root Beer Stand, Inc., DBA Fundays. The suit requests damages in excess of $25,000 and a jury trial.

Defendants in the new suit have denied any responsibility for the crash.

Meese was sentenced to three years in prison in April on one count of aggravated vehicular homicide.

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