Family of man killed walking child to school bus suing employer of driver who hit him
The family of a man killed while walking his daughter to a school bus stop is suing the employer of the driver of a van who hit him.
Jeffrey “Todd” Kimberlin, 38, of Fruitland Park, on the morning of Sept. 21 had been walking with his daughter to the bus stop when he was struck by a 2001 Ford van driven by 27-year-old Dylan Roberts of Ocklawaha. The van was owned by Russell’s Aluminum Inc.
Kimberlin, a beloved local tattoo artist, was transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center, where he later died of injuries suffered when he was struck by the van.
Roberts is facing a charge of driving without a valid license causing death. He had three previous convictions for driving while license suspended. He remains free on bond.
In addition, the two mothers of Kimberlin’s three children have joined forces in a lawsuit against Roberts and his employer. Kimberlin left behind a three-year-old son he had with Carrie Monique Snell, as well as a 9-year-old daughter and an 8-year-old son he had with Ronni Leigh Kimberlin.
The women have accused Russell’s Aluminum of being “vicariously negligent” and claim the children have lost “parental companionship and protection.” They also contend that Kimberlin’s estate has “incurred medical expenses, funeral expenses, loss of net accumulations and loss of earnings.”
Russell’s Aluminum is owned by Joseph Russell and located at 16201 SE 58th Avenue in Summerfield.
The women are represented by the law firm of Oldham & Smith in Tavares.