The estate of Sean Hayes, a man tragically killed in a collision with an on-duty Shelburne police sergeant, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the town of Shelburne. Hayes, a 38-year-old, lost his life in the early morning hours of November 11 when he was struck by the cruiser driven by Sgt. Kyle Kapitanski. The lawsuit, filed by attorney Brooks McArthur on behalf of Hayes’ sister Brenna Lassiter, alleges negligence on the part of the police officer, claiming that Kapitanski failed to operate the vehicle safely, leading to Hayes’ untimely death.
Details of the Incident
The lawsuit states that Hayes was off his bicycle standing next to the curb on Shelburne Road near the intersection of Fayette Drive in South Burlington when the collision occurred. Kapitanski, driving in the far right southbound lane, hit Hayes but did not immediately come to a stop. Instead, he continued driving a significant distance before eventually activating his emergency lights and parking the cruiser at the scene.
Investigation and Legal Action
Following the crash, South Burlington police initiated an investigation and called in the Vermont State Police Crash Reconstruction Team for assistance. Subsequently, South Burlington Police Department handed over the lead on the investigation to the state police. The lawsuit, naming the town of Shelburne as the defendant, seeks unspecified damages for the tragic loss of Sean Hayes.
Personal Touch
Sean Hayes, as described in his obituary, was a man known for his infectious smile, boundless energy, and readiness to extend a helping hand or share a kind word. His untimely death has left a void in the lives of those who knew him and loved him. The legal battle for justice and accountability in his passing serves as a reminder of the impact of negligence and the importance of seeking closure for grieving families.
As the investigation into the crash nears its completion, the community awaits the findings and potential legal actions that may follow. The tragic loss of Sean Hayes has sparked a legal battle that seeks to shed light on the circumstances surrounding his death and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
