GALVESTON - Harris County resident Michael Martin has filed a $1 million wrongful death lawsuit against Kemah locals Laura and Ronald Reeves in response to an alleged drowning at their residence.
Recent court documents filed May 7 in Galveston County District Court allege Randee Michelle Martin died while swimming in a pond behind the Reeves' home on June 2, 2011.
According to the original petition, the decedent was invited to swim in the private pond, and the defendants were aware she was in the water.
The suit adds that Randee Martin was intoxicated and left unsupervised though Ronald Reeves, who reportedly spent the entire day with her, knew of her drunken state.
"The intoxicated decedent drowned in the pond," the suit says.
An autopsy showed her blood alcohol level was almost three times the legal amount.
The respondents are faulted for failing to maintain the area in question in a safe manner.
"The defendants knew there was a pond in their backyard. They knew the pond was filled with water and they knew the decedent was intoxicated, unsupervised and near the pond."
Michael Martin consequently sues for pain and suffering, mental anguish, funeral expenses and losses of companionship and consortium.
He is represented by attorney Norman L. Straub of Mestemaker & Straub in Houston.
Galveston County 10th District Court Judge Kerry L. Neves is presiding over the litigation.
Case No. 13-CV-638
Harris Co. man sues Kemah residents for $1 million after spouse drowns
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