Court: NJ Group Not Liable in Drunk-Driving Deaths

Another legal defeat for a New Jersey widow whose husband died in a drunk-driving crash.

In a unanimous ruling issued Friday, the state Supreme Court said a nonprofit group wasn't liable for providing alcohol at a party the driver attended.

The justices determined that the Happy Hour Social and Athletic Club wasn't liable for the death of four guests who attended the Pig Roast the Maple Shade group held in August 2002. A truck with beer kegs was provided there, and guests served themselves.

John Kinnerman, an attendee, left with three other guests in his car. He later lost control and hit a van, killing him and the three guests.

A wrongful death lawsuit filed by the widow of one of the passengers tried to blame Happy Hour Social, among others, saying the nonprofit did not monitor the intoxicated man.

But party witnesses said Kinnerman wasn't visibly drunk.