The family of a man killed in a crash involving former Bishop Gorman basketball standout Zaon Collins was awarded $15 million by a jury on Tuesday. Collins, a star UNLV recruit turned Fresno State junior, collided with a car driven by Eric Echevarria, resulting in Echevarria’s death. Collins pleaded guilty to reckless driving causing death and vehicular manslaughter, receiving a sentence of three months in jail and three years of probation in 2023. However, he only served 56 days in jail.
Lawsuit and Verdict
Echevarria’s wife and son filed a lawsuit against Collins in 2021, claiming wrongful death and negligence. The jury found Collins negligent, attributing his actions to Echevarria’s death. While Echevarria was not deemed negligent, there was a debate among jurors about his potential fault due to failure to yield the right of way. Collins’ attorney argued for lower damages, citing human errors by both parties in the crash.
Juror Deliberations
The jury struggled to determine Echevarria’s potential negligence, with some jurors initially considering him partially at fault. Ultimately, they concluded that Collins’ excessive speed was the primary factor in the crash. The issue of punitive damages was also contentious, with some jurors feeling Collins had already faced enough punishment. The jury’s decision was not unanimous, but all members confirmed their verdict when polled.
Marijuana Concerns
Collins had THC in his system at the time of the crash, but uncertainties existed around when he consumed marijuana. Prosecutors faced challenges in proving Collins willfully consumed marijuana over the legal limit. Scientific testimony conflicted with Collins’ claims about marijuana use before the crash, leading to confusion among jurors. Collins’ father may be held liable for damages resulting from his son’s negligence, as per the judge’s instructions.
Closing Thoughts
Despite the verdict, there are no clear winners in this tragic case. The complexities surrounding fault, negligence, and substance use made the jury’s decision challenging. While the Echevarria family seeks justice, the Collins family grapples with the aftermath of the crash. The legal process, while necessary, does little to ease the pain and loss experienced by both families. The case serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless driving and the importance of accountability in such situations.
