
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, April 5, 1990                   TAG: 9004041437
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

DEATH LAWSUIT SETTLED BY PARENTS OF VICTIM

The parents of a 5-year-old boy killed in a head-on collision in Blacksburg last August have settled their lawsuit against a Christiansburg man, who they claim was responsible for the accident, and the company that employed him.

In an order filed in U.S. District Court in Roanoke Wednesday, Judge James Turk approved a $98,500 settlement to Thomas and Anne McCracken of Baltimore, Md., from Richard D. Barker and his employer, Melvin G. Martin, owner of Martin & Son Lawn Service of Blacksburg.

Jake McCraken was killed in a head-on collision on South Main Street in Blacksburg when a car driven by Barker crossed into oncoming traffic and struck a car driven by Anne McCraken.

The McCrakens' suit alleged that their son's death was "the direct and proximate result of the negligence of Melvin G. Martin of Martin & Sons Lawn Service, in its negligent hiring of Richard D. Barker in spite of his marijuana use, health problems, vision problems and bad driving record."

The McCrakens sought $3 million in damages.

After $24,943 in attorney's fees are paid out of the settlement, the remainder will be distributed in equal shares of $36,778.70 each to Thomas McCracken and Anne McCracken.

by CNB