North Carolina Coach, School Board Sued Over ATV Death

The estate of a 15-year-old Asheville, N.C., football player who died two years ago after he was struck by an all-terrain vehicle at Roberson High School is suing the school’s football coach and the Buncombe County Board of Education.

The Asheville Citizen-Times reports the lawsuit also names the student driving the vehicle as it asks for unspecified damages.

Authorities say Donald “Donnie” Crotty was walking on a path during football practice in July 2011 when his leg was clipped by the vehicle. He fell and was then run over.

The lawsuit says the vehicle was being driven too fast and recklessly. Sheriff’s investigators determined the driver wasn’t at fault.

Lawyers for the school board and coach Jim Beatty say Crotty could have avoided the collision if he was more attentive.