Erika Cruz’s family files lawsuit against driver in fatal crash and bar that served him

(ABC 6 News) – The family of Erika Cruz has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against a Rochester bar and the driver accused of being intoxicated when he crashed into the car being driven by the 18-year-old woman last February.

According to the lawsuit, the family is suing the driver, Sterling Haukom, and Image of Rochester, Inc, which operates 63 Club near Broadway Ave S and 18th St SE.

The lawsuit asks for more than $50,000 in damages. The exact amount will be determined during the trial which is expected in mid to late 2022.

One claim in the lawsuit said 63 Club "unlawfully sold intoxicating beverages to Haukom when he was obviously intoxicated."

In a document filed by Image of Rochester, the company "denies those allegations…that [Image of Rochester] made any unlawful sale of intoxicating beverages to Defendant Haukom or that any alleged unlawful sale to Defendant Haukom was a direct cause of the subject accident or the death of Erika Cruz."

Haukom has been charged with criminal vehicular homicide and driving while intoxicated. He pled not guilty to both charges in late March. The criminal trial is scheduled to begin later this month.

According to court documents, Haukom admitted he had 15 drinks before getting behind the wheel that night.