Father of New Hampshire teen killed in crash sues for $5 million

By Jim Greene

Published on July 10, 2006

The suit filed last week by Dexter Hodgeman in Rockingham County Superior Court accuses Jane and Alex Matson of hosting an underage drinking party Nov. 4, 2005, that led to a car crash that killed Steven Hodgeman. The car in which the younger Hodgeman was a passenger hit a tree on the night of the party. Driver Carl Burke died on impact; Hodgeman died three days later.

Dexter Hodgeman's suit claims Jane and Alex Matson were negligent in serving alcohol to Burke and Steven Hodgeman, even though they knew Burke intended to drive that night. The filing accuses the Matsons of not only serving alcohol to minors, but also of encouraging its consumption. It also claims they failed in their responsibility to prevent Burke from driving after becoming visibly intoxicated.

In response to the suit, Jane Matson has file papers denying that she was at home at the time of the party and that Steven Hodgeman had a responsibility not to ride with Burke.

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