Family of Medway man killed on Tecumseh Road files wrongful death suit

No charges have been filed in connection with the death of Lawrence Mason nearly a year after he was struck.

The family of a man struck and killed on Tecumseh Road nearly a year ago has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the owners of the SUV state troopers have alleged hit him.

Lawrence J. Mason, 45, of Medway, allegedly was struck and killed by a silver 2015 Dodge Durango on Tuesday, Sept. 6, according to a state patrol crash report. Mason was standing on the east shoulder of North Tecumseh Road in Bethel Twp. near U.S. 40 when he was hit, a crash report says, and the vehicle allegedly fled the scene.

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The vehicle was determined to be owned by Eliot J. Baggs of Springfield and the SUV had damage to the right front of the vehicle, according to a crash report. Baggs previously declined to comment about the crash to the Springfield News-Sun and neither him nor his wife, Kristine Baggs, could be reached for comment on Friday.

Jordyn N. Mason is the daughter of the crash victim and the administrator of his estate. She filed the wrongful death lawsuit in Clark County Common Pleas court on Aug. 11.

She has sued Eliot and Kristine Baggs, seeking medical and burial costs, and other damages in excess of $25,000.

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The lawsuit alleges Eliot and/or Kristine Baggs, “fled the scene of the accident without checking on (Lawrence Mason’s) welfare and/or notifying authorities until two days later; and even then have failed to be forthcoming with information and/or cooperate with the investigation of this incident.”

Lt. Brian Aller with the Ohio State Highway Patrol said the crash investigation has been turned over to investigators at the patrol’s headquarters in Columbus. The state investigators declined to comment because it remains under investigation.

No charges have been filed in the case at this time.

Lawrence Mason’s daughter and other family members have suffered mental and emotional anguish caused by his traumatic death, the lawsuit alleges.

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“Plaintiff Jordyn N. Mason suffered damages for the loss of his society of his life expectancy, including loss of companionship, consortium, care, assistance, attention, protection, joys, advice, guidance, counsel, instruction, training and education,” the lawsuit says.

Jordyn Mason declined to comment and her attorney, Kenneth Ignozzi, didn’t return a call seeking comment.

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