On April 4, 2001, Michael DePriest was a passenger in a car driven by his 21 year old friend Jeff Knockel. Mr. Knockel lost control of the vehicle, which was owned by Mr. DePriest as he tried to make a left turn from Tucker onto Park in the City of St. Louis and hit a light post. As a result of the severe impact, Mr. DePriest suffered severe head trauma and was in a coma for 15 hours before he ultimately passed away. At the time of the collision, Mr. Knockel registered .204% BAC after the incident. Mr. DePriest’s BAC was .23%. Mr. DePriest was survived by his two twin daughters, parents, sister and his fiancé.

The case resolved on March 31, 2004 for the policy limits of $1,200,000.00.