On February 6, 2024, the Champaign City Council will consider authorizing the settlement of a wrongful death lawsuit filed against the City of Champaign and its police officers by the Estate of Ross Booker. Employed by a tow truck company, Mr. Booker was tragically struck and killed by a passing motorist while cleaning debris at the scene of an accident in March 2022. If approved by the City Council, the $2 million settlement will result in the dismissal of the lawsuit. The proposed settlement amount will be paid from the City’s insurance policies.
“This is a very tragic situation,” reports City Attorney Thomas Yu. “With the assistance of an expert mediator, the parties participated in formal mediation, which included a comprehensive evaluation of the risks and expenses if the case proceeded to trial. Ultimately, the proposed settlement was determined to be in the best interests of all involved.”
The Council Bill and Report to Council relative to the proposed settlement is available for review on the City’s website – champaignil.gov/council.