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Family of local woman files lawsuit

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The family of a Gresham woman who died after being struck by an alleged drunken driver in Portland’s Old Town area in January has filed a $4 million wrongful death lawsuit against the driver.

Rebecca Bray, 20, and her friend Brandi Butner of Fairview were standing on the sidewalk waiting for a ride when a 2012 Dodge Ram pickup driven by Brent Warstler crashed into a taxi and struck both women around 2:30 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 20.

Bray died at the scene. Butner, 21, was rushed to Legacy Emanuel Hospital & Health Center with severe injuries, including a broken pelvis. Butner also has filed a lawsuit seeking $3 million for medical costs and trauma.

Warstler, 42, of Cornelius, allegedly was driving about twice the speed limit and an hour after the crash had a blood-alcohol level of 0.20 percent — more than twice the state’s legal limit of 0.08 percent.

He reportedly ran a red light at the intersection of Northwest Fifth Avenue and Everett Street and crashed into a taxi, causing him to veer onto the sidewalk where the truck struck both women.

Bray’s estate filed its lawsuit in Multnomah County Circuit Court on March 15, alleging that Warstler is guilty of negligence.

It seeks a jury trial and $4 million for the victim’s lost wages, her pain, agony and emotional distress, and her mother Sharon Bray’s loss of companionship. The suit also seeks an extra $5,000 for funeral and burial expenses.

Warstler has posted $5,000 bond and is living with family in Gresham until his trial on charges of second-degree manslaughter and third-degree assault.


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