Family of 18-year-old who died in Rochester crash sues other driver, bar that served him

The family of a then-18-year-old University of St. Thomas student who died in a crash has filed a lawsuit against a Rochester bar as well as the driver accused of being intoxicated at the time of the crash.

In February, Erika Cruz died after a vehicle hit her near the intersection of Eighth Avenue Southeast and Southeast 12th Street in Rochester.

Sterling Royce Haukom, 34, was charged in connection with the case. Haukom was charged with criminal vehicular homicide and operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

Cruz’s family filed the lawsuit at the end of last week against Haukom and Image of Rochester, Inc., which operates 63 Club.

The lawsuit claims 63 Club "unlawfully sold or furnished intoxicating beverages to Defendant Sterling Haukom when he was obviously intoxicated."

The lawsuit also claims Haukom then "negligently, carelessly and unlawfully drove his car causing his car to collide with a car driven by Erika Cruz."

The family is seeking more than $50,000 in damages, though the exact amount is expected to be determined during trial. Pre-trial proceedings are set for the end of August, according to court records.