Lawsuit claims Iowa City teens were 'drag racing' when they struck Jennifer Russell's car in an intersection

The family of a 22-year-old killed in a car accident in May has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the insurance company and two drivers, claiming they were drag racing before the collision.

Matthew and Kelly Russell, the parents of the late Jennifer Russell, have filed a civil lawsuit June 28 against Kesean Ford, Elijah Seals, and American Family Insurance, seeking restitution for damages, including medical bills and funeral services.

Jennifer Russell, of Waterloo, was in the intersection of East Court Street and Seventh Avenue in Iowa City just before 11 p.m. on May 27 when Ford and Seals allegedly ran a stop sign in separate westbound cars, striking Russell’s vehicle.

Russell, Seals, Ford, and another 17-year-old were taken to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, where Russell was later pronounced dead.

Lawsuit claims teens were drag racing

The lawsuit alleges that Seals, 17, and Ford, 17, both of Iowa City were drag racing and "traveling at a high rate of speed" on May 27, occupying both lanes of East Court Street. The two struck Jennifer Russell’s car, which was legally in the intersection, “simultaneously or nearly simultaneously,” according to the lawsuit.

The initial filing also claims that Ford and Seals engaged in conduct that displayed “willful and wanton disregard for the safety of others.” The family is seeking damages from Ford and Seals for medical expenses, burial costs, and loss of services, society, and companionship - past and present - for Matthew and Kelly Russell.

The lawsuit also includes American Family Insurance. Court filings allege the vehicle operated by Ford, a 2008 Saturn Vue, was uninsured and Seals’ vehicle, a 2012 GMC Acadia, was underinsured.

The family is seeking payment from the insurance company that “fully and fairly” compensates them for the lack of coverage.

The Russell family's lawyer Chad Swanson released the following statement to the Press-Citizen on Friday.

"Matt and Kelly are devastated by the senseless death of their daughter Jennifer in this incident. On their behalf, I look forward to holding the responsible parties fully accountable for their decisions and conduct," Swanson wrote in an email. "Together, we hope that no other Iowan ever has to suffer through what they have been experiencing since May 27^th and what they will continue to experience as they move forward in life without Jennifer."

Ford is being held at the Linn County Juvenile Detention Center, according to court filings related to the delivery of the civil lawsuit notice. Seals has not been detained.

Russell remembered for love of music and dance

Jennifer Russell was born and raised in Waterloo. She loved to dance and took classes for 13 years. She was also part of the Waterloo West High School dance team, according to her obituary. She was a manager at Jethro’s BBQ and raised a puppy, Maci.

Russell loved music and enjoyed attending “many concerts” with her friends and family.

The family’s memorial fund for Jennifer has since raised more than $13,000 on GoFundMe.

Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at rhansen@press-citizen.com or on Twitter @ryanhansen01.

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Lawsuit claims teens were racing prior to fatal May accident in Iowa City