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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Families of teens killed in ‘Ponderosa Jump’ crash file lawsuit

The parents of two teenagers killed in a reckless driving accident in Spokane Valley more than two years ago have filed a civil lawsuit against the driver and public officials alleging negligence.

Josie Freier and McKenzie Mott, both 15, died Oct. 5, 2013, after a car driven by fellow University High School student Preston Maher left the roadway at Bates Drive and Ponderosa Avenue and struck a tree. Maher was critically injured but recovered.

The crash, at a popular spot for teen drivers known as “the Ponderosa Jump,” caused an outpouring of grief at University High, where Mott played varsity soccer. In September 2014, Maher was sentenced to 60 days of confinement in a juvenile facility and 300 hours of community service after pleading guilty to vehicular homicide.

Crash investigators say Maher was traveling at least 70 mph when he left the roadway. The speed limit on that stretch of road was 25 mph.

The families of Freier and Mott also allege that Spokane Valley and Spokane County knew of the dangerous road conditions, and should be held liable for failing to enact safety measures earlier. The summer after the crash, construction crews flattened the road in a project that cost about$25,000.

The families filed claims in August with Spokane Valley and Spokane County for damages. The requested compensation in those claims was not immediately available Friday. The lawsuit was filed in Spokane County Superior Court on Tuesday.

A call to the Spokane Valley attorney representing the families was not returned Friday.