Parents Sue Hotel Over Death of Pa. Teen Worker Who Drove Drunk

The parents of a teen killed in a car crash after working a 16-hour shift sued the Pennsylvania hotel where he worked.

The lawsuit alleges the owners of the Ramada Inn of Historic Ligonier were negligent when they allowed 17-year-old Sean Nemcheck to work 16 hours, have access to alcohol while working and then drive home drunk.

Nemcheck, of Cook Township, was killed on his way home the morning of Feb. 19, 2006. He worked as a dishwasher and waiter at the hotel.

The hotel’s owner, Hospitality Group Services, agreed in August 2006 to pay more than $4,200 in fines after being charged by the state with violating child-labor laws.

Police determined the teen was driving drunk when he crashed through a fence and into a pond, but authorities never figured out where he got the alcohol. Nemcheck worked a double shift and clocked out just after 3 a.m. before crashing a short time later in Ligonier Township.

In their lawsuit, the Nemchecks contend the hotel should not have allowed their son to work such a long shift. They also allege the hotel knew the teen had unfettered access to alcohol while working.

Hotel co-manager Debra Fox declined comment on the lawsuit.

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Information from: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, http://pghtrib.com