Driver sued over deadly wreck

A Mead man left paraplegic and widowed by a motorcycle accident June 2 is suing the Spokane stockbroker allegedly responsible for the crash.

Gary G. Keller is seeking damages for personal injuries inflicted by 42-year-old Jon A. Strine, according to documents filed in Spokane County Superior Court on Monday. Strine’s wife, Anja B. Krammer, is also listed as a defendant.

The suit alleges that as a result of Strine’s negligence the night of June 2, Keller suffered “severe, permanent, disabling and disfiguring physical injuries,” including paralysis. Keller’s wife, 48-year-old Lorri Keller, was killed in the crash.

Strine is accused of plowing his 2002 Mercedes into the Kellers as they drove their Yamaha motorcycle near Second Avenue and Browne Street downtown. Witnesses reported seeing Strine driving recklessly moments before the crash, which caused both Lorri and Gary Keller to “fly into the air,” court documents said.

Court documents state Strine visited two bars and consumed numerous drinks before the crash.

The lawsuit asks for unspecified damages for the loss of Keller’s “ability to enjoy life” and lost wages because of his inability to continue working in the railroad industry.

Calls to Keller’s attorneys, Rossi Cox Vucinovich Flaskamp PC, based in Bellevue, Wash., were not returned.

Krammer, Strine’s wife, was not in the vehicle at the time of the crash but is named in the suit.

She declined to comment when reached at her home Wednesday.