Wrongful Death Complaint
Wrongful Death Complaint
ELECTRONICALLY FILED
6/3/2025 6:25 PM
52-CV-2025-900281.00
CIRCUIT COURT OF
MORGAN COUNTY, ALABAMA
CHRIS PRIEST, CLERK
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MORGAN COUNTY, ALABAMA
DEFENDANTS.
COMES NOW the Plaintiff, by and through counsel, and claims of the Defendants as
follows:
1. James Cory Hastings is an individual over the age of nineteen (19) and is a resident of
Morgan County, Alabama. Plaintiff James Cory Hastings was the sole custodial parent of
Chloe Rose Hastings, a minor who died in a motor vehicle collision on or about May 17,
2025. Plaintiff James Cory Hastings brings this wrongful death action pursuant to Ala.
2. Defendant Kevin Jay Penich is believed by the plaintiffs to be over the age of nineteen (19)
3. Defendant Decatur OpCo, LLC, dba Buffalo Wild Wings, is a corporation doing business
4. Defendant Patton Wings, Inc., dba Buffalo Wild Wings, is a corporation doing business by
5. Defendant Wingin’ It, LLC, dba Buffalo Wild Wings, is a corporation doing business by
County, Alabama.
DOCUMENT 2
7. Defendant Logan’s Roadhouse II, LLC is a corporation doing business by agent in Morgan
County, Alabama.
8. Fictitious Parties 1-5, being that person, firm, corporation, partnership, or other entity that
negligently caused or failed to prevent Chloe Rose Hastings’ death; all of whose names are
9. Fictitious Parties 6-10, being that person, firm, corporation, partnership, or other entity that
wantonly caused or failed to prevent Chloe Rose Hastings’ death; all of whose names are
10. Fictitious Parties 11-15, being that employer, master or principal of that person, firm,
corporation, partnership, or other entity that negligently and/or wantonly caused or failed
to prevent Chloe Rose Hastings’ death; all of whose names are unknown to Plaintiff but
11. Fictitious Parties 16-20, being that person, firm, company, corporation, partnership, mutual
insurance company, or other entity that issued a policy of motor vehicle insurance
decedent, or its assignee or successor in interest all of whose names are unknown to
12. Fictitious Parties 21-25, being that person, firm, corporation, partnership, or other entity
that negligently and/or wantonly entrusted a motor vehicle to defendant and/or any other
person who proximately caused or failed to prevent Chloe Rose Hastings’ death; all of
whose names are unknown to Plaintiff but will be added by amendment when ascertained.
13. Fictitious Parties 26-30, being such individuals, partnerships, corporations or other entities
whose identities are unknown to the Plaintiff but who or which may have furnished alcohol
DOCUMENT 2
to Kevin Jay Penich contrary to law, whose names are unknown but will be added by
14. Fictitious Parties 31-40, being such individuals, partnerships, corporations or other entities
whose identities are unknown to the Plaintiff but who or which negligently and/or wantonly
failed to train, supervise or hire bartenders, servers, or other similar staff responsible for
the sale and service of alcoholic beverages to Kevin Jay Penich contrary to law, whose
15. The true names and identities of the other named defendants are unknown to Plaintiffs at
this time and will be added by amendment in accordance with Rule 9(h) of the Alabama
Rules of Civil Procedure when the true names and identities are ascertained.
16. On or about the 17th day of May, 2025, Defendant Kevin Jay Penich was operating his
vehicle at a high rate of speed, in excess of the posted speed limit, on the streets and
highways of the State of Alabama while intoxicated. Kevin Jay Penich, while traveling at
17. As a proximate result of being struck by Kevin Jay Penich’s vehicle, Chloe Rose Hastings
18. In the hours prior to striking and killing Chloe Rose Hastings, Kevin Jay Penich had
consumed alcohol from Decatur OpCo, LLC, dba Buffalo Wild Wings, and/or Patton
Wings, Inc., dba Buffalo Wild Wings, and/or Wingin’ It, LLC, dba Buffalo Wild Wings.
Further, Kevin Jay Penich also consumed additional quantities of alcohol at Alfonso’s
19. Decatur OpCo, LLC, dba Buffalo Wild Wings, and/or Patton Wings, Inc., dba Buffalo
Wild Wings, and/or Wingin’ It, LLC, dba Buffalo Wild Wings, at all times relevant to the
DOCUMENT 2
allegations of the complaint, are incorporated business entities with their principal place of
business located at 945 Wimberly Drive SW, Decatur, Morgan County, Alabama 35603.
Said corporations operate as a restaurant doing business as Buffalo Wild Wings that sells
food and beer and spirituous liquors. At all times material hereto, Decatur OpCo, LLC,
dba Buffalo Wild Wings, and/or Patton Wings, Inc., dba Buffalo Wild Wings, and/or
Wingin’ It, LLC, dba Buffalo Wild Wings, were doing business in Morgan County,
Alabama. Said entities sold, furnished or provided alcohol to Kevin Jay Penich, even
20. Alfonso’s Pizza, Inc., at all times relevant to the allegations of the complaint, is a business
entity incorporated under the laws of the State of Alabama with its principal place of
business located at 725 Beltline Road SW, Suite E, Decatur, Morgan County, Alabama
35603. Said corporation is a restaurant that sells food and beer and spirituous liquors. At
all times material hereto, Alfonso’s Pizza, Inc. was doing business in Morgan County,
Alabama. Said entity sold, furnished or provided alcohol to Kevin Jay Penich, even though
he was intoxicated.
21. Logan’s Roadhouse II, LLC, at all times relevant to the allegations of the complaint, is a
business entity incorporated under the laws of the State of Alabama with its principal place
of business located at 2315 Beltline Road SW, Decatur, Morgan County, Alabama 35603.
Said corporation is a restaurant that sells food and beer and spirituous liquors. At all times
material hereto, Logan’s Roadhouse II, LLC was doing business in Morgan County,
Alabama. Said entity sold, furnished or provided alcohol to Kevin Jay Penich, even though
he was intoxicated.
22. As a result of consuming the excessive alcohol sold, furnished, and provided by Decatur
DOCUMENT 2
OpCo, LLC, dba Buffalo Wild Wings, and/or Patton Wings, Inc., dba Buffalo Wild Wings,
and/or Wingin’ It, LLC, dba Buffalo Wild Wings, and/or Alfonso’s Pizza, Inc. and/or
Logan’s Roadhouse II, LLC, Kevin Jay Penich became intoxicated, operated his vehicle
while intoxicated, and ultimately struck and killed Chloe Rose Hastings.
COUNT ONE
Defendants Decatur OpCo, LLC; Patton Wings, Inc.; Wingin’ It, LLC;
Alfonso’s Pizza, Inc.; Logan’s Roadhouse II, LLC
23. Plaintiff adopts and realleges the allegations in the foregoing paragraphs by reference as if
24. Ala. Code§ 6-5-71, "The Alabama Dram Shop Act" states:
the wife, child, parent, or other person who shall be injured in person, property
or means of support by any intoxicated person or in consequence of the intoxication
of any person shall have a right of action against any person, who shall, by
selling, giving, or otherwise disposing of to another, contrary to the provisions of
law, any liquors or beverages, cause the intoxication of such person for all
damages actually sustained as well as exemplary damages.
25. Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Rules and Regulations, Section
20-X-6-.02, states:
"No licensee or employee of a licensee shall serve or dispense alcoholic beverages to any
26. On or about May 17, 2025, the Defendants Decatur OpCo, LLC, dba Buffalo Wild
Wings, and/or Patton Wings, Inc., dba Buffalo Wild Wings, and/or Wingin’ It, LLC, dba
Buffalo Wild Wings, and/or Alfonso’s Pizza, Inc. and/or Logan’s Roadhouse II, LLC
including Fictitious Party Defendants 26-30, separately and severally, unlawfully sold or
DOCUMENT 2
Kevin Jay Penich. The Defendants' actions, separately and severally, were in violation of
the Alabama Civil Damages Act and The Dram Shop Act and the other laws of the State
27. Defendants Decatur OpCo, LLC, dba Buffalo Wild Wings, and/or Patton Wings, Inc., dba
Buffalo Wild Wings, and/or Wingin’ It, LLC dba Buffalo Wild Wings and/or Alfonso’s
Pizza, Inc. and/or Logan’s Roadhouse II, LLC, Fictitious Party Defendants 26-30,
separately and severally, knew or should have known, or could have ascertained through
the exercise of reasonable and proper care, that Kevin Jay Penich was intoxicated.
28. As a direct and proximate result of the Defendants', Fictitious Party Defendants 26-30,
separate and several, violation of the Civil Damages Claim Act, § 6-5-71, and/or The
Alabama Dram Shop Act and/or the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Rules
and Regulations, Section 20-X-6-.02, Kevin Jay Penich became intoxicated, operated a
motor vehicle while intoxicated, and struck the vehicle driven by Chloe Rose Hastings
WHEREFORE Plaintiff, in all capacities, requests judgment against Decatur OpCo, LLC;
Patton Wings, Inc.; Wingin’ It, LLC; Alfonso’s Pizza, Inc. and Logan’s Roadhouse II, LLC and
Fictitious Party Defendants 26-30 separately and severally, for punitive damages, costs and such
other further relief a jury deems appropriate to punish the defendants and deter similar conduct
COUNT TWO
Negligent and/or Wanton Hiring, Training, or Supervision by
Defendants Decatur OpCo, LLC; Patton Wings, Inc.; Wingin’ It, LLC;
Alfonso’s Pizza, Inc.; Logan’s Roadhouse II, LLC
29. Plaintiff adopts and realleges the allegations in the foregoing paragraphs by reference as if
DOCUMENT 2
30. Prior to the fatal collision of May 17, 2025, which claimed the life of Chloe Rose Hastings,
Defendants Decatur OpCo, LLC; Patton Wings, Inc.; Wingin’ It, LLC; Alfonso’s Pizza,
Inc.; Logan’s Roadhouse II, LLC; and/or Defendants Nos. 26–40, negligently and/or
wantonly hired, trained, and supervised bartenders, servers, and other staff responsible for
31. As a direct and foreseeable result of Defendants’ negligent and/or wanton hiring, training,
and supervision of these employees, Kevin Jay Penich was over-served and became
vehicle, colliding with the vehicle driven by Chloe Rose Hastings and causing her death.
32. Chloe Rose Hastings’ death was the direct consequence of Defendants’ failure to properly
hire, train, and supervise their employees entrusted with the sale and service of alcohol.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff demands judgment against Defendants, jointly and severally, for
all available damages, including punitive damages, costs of court, and such further relief as
COUNT THREE
Wrongful Death
Defendants Decatur OpCo, LLC; Patton Wings, Inc.; Wingin’ It, LLC;
Alfonso’s Pizza, Inc.; Logan’s Roadhouse II, LLC
33. Plaintiff adopts and realleges the allegations in the foregoing paragraphs by reference as if
34. On or about May 17, 2025, Defendants Decatur OpCo, LLC; Patton Wings, Inc.; Wingin’
It, LLC; Alfonso’s Pizza, Inc.; and Logan’s Roadhouse II, LLC and/or Fictitious Party
DOCUMENT 2
Defendants 26-30 each owed a duty to exercise reasonable care in the service of alcoholic
beverages, and to comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations governing the sale
and service of alcohol, including but not limited to Ala. Code § 6-5-71 and Ala. Code § 28-
3A-25.
35. Defendants Decatur OpCo, LLC; Patton Wings, Inc.; Wingin’ It, LLC; Alfonso’s Pizza,
Inc.; and Logan’s Roadhouse II, LLC and/or Fictitious Party Defendants 26-30 breached
said duty when they negligently, wantonly, and/or recklessly caused and/or allowed
Defendant Kevin Jay Penich to become intoxicated and thereafter failed to take reasonable
These negligent, wanton and/or reckless acts and omissions include, but are not limited to:
(1) Serving alcohol to Defendant Penich when he was visibly intoxicated in violation of
Alabama law;
(2) Failing to properly monitor Defendant Penich’s level of intoxication while continuing
(4) Failing to properly train employees on the legal and safe service of alcohol, including
(6) Continuing to serve alcohol to Defendant Penich despite clear signs of intoxication,
including slurred speech, unsteady gait, impaired motor function, and other obvious signs
of impairment;
(7) Failing to refuse further service of alcohol or to take reasonable steps to prevent
DOCUMENT 2
36. As a direct and proximate consequence of Defendants Decatur OpCo, LLC; Patton Wings,
Inc.; Wingin’ It, LLC; Alfonso’s Pizza, Inc.; and Logan’s Roadhouse II, LLC and/or
Fictitious Party Defendants 26-30 wrongful, negligent, wanton, and/or reckless conduct,
Chloe Rose Hastings suffered severe bodily injuries from which she died.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff James Cory Hastings, as Chloe Rose Hastings’ natural and
custodial father, demands judgment for all damages recoverable under Alabama’s Wrongful Death
Statute, to wit, Ala. Code § 6-5-410, and Ala. Code § 32-5A-191 including but not limited to
punitive damages for the death of Chloe Rose Hastings in an amount that will adequately reflect
the enormity of the Defendant’s wrongful acts and will effectively prevent other similar wrongful
acts.
COUNT FOUR
Negligence-Defendant Kevin Jay Penich
37. Plaintiff adopts and realleges the allegations in the foregoing paragraphs by reference as if
38. On or around May 17, 2025, upon a public road or highway, to-wit: the intersection of
Beltline Road and Westmead Street in Morgan County, Alabama, Defendant Kevin Jay
Penich and/or Defendants No. 1-10 negligently operated a motor vehicle, causing a
Subsequently, Chloe Rose Hastings’ vehicle caught fire while she remained inside,
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff claims of the Defendant punitive damages, costs and such other
COUNT FIVE
Wanton Misconduct-Defendant Kevin Jay Penich
40. Plaintiff adopts and realleges the allegations in the foregoing paragraphs by reference as if
41. On or around May 17, 2025, upon a public road or highway, to-wit: the intersection of
Beltline Road and Westmead Street in Morgan County, Alabama, Defendant Kevin Jay
Penich and/or Defendants No. 1-10, wantonly operated a motor vehicle, causing a collision
42. As a direct and proximate result of Defendant’s wanton misconduct, a collision occurred.
Subsequently, Chloe Rose Hastings’ vehicle caught fire while she remained inside,
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff claims of the Defendant punitive damages, costs and such other
COUNT SIX
Wrongful Death-Defendant Kevin Jay Penich
43. Plaintiff adopts and realleges the allegations in the foregoing paragraphs by reference as if
44. On or about May 17, 2025, Defendant Kevin Jay Penich had a duty to use reasonable care
45. Defendant committed negligence per se by violating the Alabama Rules of the Road, to
46. As a direct and proximate consequence of Defendant’s negligence per se, Chloe Rose
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff James Cory Hastings, as Chloe Rose Hastings’ natural and
DOCUMENT 2
custodial father, demands judgment for all damages recoverable under Alabama’s Wrongful Death
Statute, to wit, Ala. Code § 6-5-410, and Ala. Code § 32-5A-191 including but not necessarily
limited to punitive damages for the death of Chloe Rose Hastings in an amount that will adequately
reflect the enormity of the Defendant’s wrongful acts and will effectively prevent other similar
wrongful acts.
COUNT SEVEN
Combined and Concurring Negligence
Defendants Kevin Jay Penich; Decatur OpCo, LLC; Patton Wings, Inc.;
Wingin’ It, LLC; Alfonso’s Pizza, Inc.; Logan’s Roadhouse II, LLC
47. Plaintiff adopts and realleges the allegations in the foregoing paragraphs by reference as if
48. On or about May 17, 2025, Defendants acted negligently, wantonly, and in violation of
Alabama law, and as a proximate result of their combined and concurring conduct, caused
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff, in all capacities, requests judgment against Kevin Jay Penich;
Decatur OpCo, LLC; Patton Wings, Inc.; Wingin’ It, LLC; Alfonso’s Pizza, Inc.; Logan’s
Roadhouse II, LLC; and Fictitious Party Defendants 1-40 separately and severally, for the
wrongful death of his daughter, Chloe Rose Hastings, punitive damages, costs and such other
further relief a jury deems appropriate to punish the defendants and deter similar conduct pursuant
COUNT EIGHT
Negligent Entrustment-Fictitious Party Defendants No. 21-25
49. Plaintiff adopts and realleges the allegations in the foregoing paragraphs by reference as if
50. On or about May 17, 2025, Defendants No. 21-25, whose true names are unknown to
Plaintiff but will be added by amendment when ascertained negligently entrusted a vehicle
to Defendant Kevin Jay Penich, who by reason of his lack of skill or judgment or condition
was not qualified to operate said vehicle in a reasonably safe manner, all of which
Defendants No. 21-25 knew or should have known. As a proximate cause of the negligent
Defendant Kevin Jay Penich so negligently and/or wantonly operated said vehicle so as to
cause it to strike the vehicle driven by Chloe Rose Hastings, resulting in her fatal injuries.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff claims of the Defendants punitive damages, costs and such other
GENERAL AVERMENTS
51. Plaintiff adopts and realleges the allegations in the foregoing paragraphs as if fully set out
herein.
52. In addition to the specific allegations set forth above, Plaintiff avers that the negligence
and/or wanton conduct of all Defendants combined and concurred to cause the wrongful
53. Plaintiff avers that fictitious parties 1-15 negligently and/or wantonly caused or failed to
prevent Chloe Rose Hastings’ death. The true names and identities of each fictitiously
described Defendant is unknown to the Plaintiff at this time and will be added by
amendment in accordance with Rule 9(h) of the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure when
54. Plaintiff avers that fictitious parties 16-20 issued a policy or policies of automobile
insurance that provided uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to Plaintiff and that said
DOCUMENT 2
policy or policies were in full force and effect at the time of said automobile accident and
provided coverage for the death of Chloe Rose Hastings. The true names and identities of
each fictitiously described Defendant is unknown to the Plaintiff at this time and will be
added by amendment in accordance with Rule 9(h) of the Alabama Rules of Civil
55. Plaintiff avers that fictitious parties 21-25 negligently and/or wantonly entrusted a motor
vehicle to Defendant Kevin Jay Penich and/or any other person who proximately caused
or failed to prevent the wrongful death of Chloe Rose Hastings. The true names and
identities of each fictitiously described Defendant is unknown to the Plaintiff at this time
and will be added by amendment in accordance with Rule 9(h) of the Alabama Rules of
56. Plaintiff avers that fictitious parties 26-30, being such individuals, partnerships,
corporations or other entities whose identities are unknown to the Plaintiff but who or
which may have furnished alcohol to Kevin Jay Penich contrary to law, whose names are
57. Plaintiff avers that fictitious parties 31-40, being such individuals, partnerships,
corporations or other entities whose identities are unknown to the Plaintiff but who or
which negligently and/or wantonly failed to train, supervise or hire bartenders, servers, or
other similar staff responsible for the sale and service of alcoholic beverages to Kevin Jay
Penich contrary to law, whose names are unknown but will be added by amendment when
ascertained.
DOCUMENT 2