Gold club drops counter-claim in suit over intoxicated man who died in crash

The Gold Club, blamed for allowing three men to be over-served and drive home intoxicated and then get in a crash that claimed all three men’s lives, recently dropped its counterclaim. 

Representing the estate of Justin Lee Anderson-Brown, Stacy Brown filed suit against Fannett Entertainment (Gold Club), PML Clubs and William Grimes, on June 5, 2012, in Jefferson County District Court.

Shortly after, the Gold Club sued two men it held responsible for the collision, court papers say.

On April 11 an order of dismissal was entered, stating the controversy had been settled and the company no longer wished to pursue its claims against Grimes and Travis Crisman Sr.

The two men were dismissed from the counterclaim with prejudice, court papers say.

Court records further show that on Oct. 18, PML Clubs filed an answer asserting the decedent represented by Brown “failed to exercise ordinary care and prudence for his own safety and personal well-being.”

The plaintiff’s first amended petition, filed Oct. 9, claims PML maintains an agency relationship with Gold Club and maintained polices relating to intoxicated customers.

According to the lawsuit, on March 6, 2012, Anderson-Brown, Grimes and Travis Crisman arrived at the Gold Club around 10:30 p.m. and continued to drink until the early morning hours of March 7, 2012.

“The Gold Club continued to … sell alcoholic beverages to (the men) when they were obviously intoxicated to the extent they each presented a clear danger to their personal selves and others,” the suit states.

The employees allegedly allowed the men to climb into a pickup truck and leave, according to the suit.

As a result, Grimes lost control of the truck, which flew off an embankment and collided head-on with a tree, causing a “fiery crash” that claimed the lives of all three men, the suit states.

Anderson-Brown and Crisman were trapped inside the vehicle as it burned. Grimes was ejected through the windshield upon impact.

The plaintiff is suing for wrongful death damages.

Bellaire attorney Mark Weycer represents her.

Dallas attorney Gregory Guillot represents PML.

Judge Bob Wortham, 58th District Court, is assigned to the case.

Case No. A192-533