Alice Zhang’s Parents Sue City of Arcadia, Bowden Du over Crosswalk Death on Duarte
The parents of Alice Zhang , a AHS student killed in a crosswalk on Duarte in April have filed a lawsuit against the city of Arcadia and the driver Bowen Du.
The lawsuit, was filed in August by Zhang’s parents and their attorney David B. Casselman, alleging that “the dangerous condition” of the crosswalk was a contributing factor in the teen’s death.
Zhang’s parents are asking for unspecified general and special damages. The claim filed in June against the city on behalf of the parents initially asked for $5 million.
In addition, the complaint also alleges that driver Bowen Du’s negligence was factor in the teen’s death.
Du, 19, of Arcadia has pleaded not guilty to one count of felony vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence..
Detective Mike Hale of the Arcadia PD maintains the car’s windshield was excessively dirty and that — combined with the setting sun – caused the accident.
In the months following Zhang’s death, a handful of Arcadia High School students asked the City Council to consider making changes to the crosswalk.
Arcadia Mayor Gary Kovacic told the Arcadia Weekly on Thursday “This accident has been a terrible tragedy for Alice’s parents, friends, and our community. All Arcadians continue to grieve for such a loss. We have not been able to review the lawsuit yet, but are not aware of any evidence that the City of Arcadia was negligent in its efforts to protect the public.”