Man sues over fatal East Dundee crash

The family of a 19-year-old Inverness woman killed in a two-vehicle crash last May in East Dundee is being sued by the other driver.

Mario Rustia, 76, of South Barrington, filed a civil complaint this week against the estate of Fremd High School graduate Katherine Vaudrey, who died a day after the head-on collision.

Rustia claims in the lawsuit he suffered permanent injuries the afternoon of May 31, 2008, when Vaudrey's Ford Taurus crossed the center line on Route 68 near Vista Lane and struck his eastbound Mercedes.

Authorities have said Rustia was treated for facial injuries. He is seeking more than $50,000 in damages, claiming Vaudrey was careless, negligent and failed to slow down, according to the lawsuit.

Neither Vaudrey's father, who is named as an estate administrator in the lawsuit, nor Rustia's attorney could be reached for comment Friday.

East Dundee police have said it appeared Vaudrey's car veered onto the westbound shoulder before going into the other lane and striking Rustia. No citations were issued immediately. East Dundee police could not be reached for comment on whether the investigation is ongoing.

The case goes to Judge Robert Spence on July 23.