Family of NKU footballer killed by semi-trailer truck files wrongful death lawsuit

CINCINNATI (ENQUIRER) – The family of Northern Kentucky University football star Zackery Leffler has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Illinois following his death in December, our partners at the Cincinnati Enquirer report.

Leffler, 25, died in December near Youngtown when an oncoming tractor-trailer crossed the center line on Interstate 80 and struck Leffler's pickup truck. The Walton Verona High School graduate was engaged at the time of his death, his obituary said.

His family's lawsuit alleges that the driver, David Pluidze, was known to be a dangerous, reckless and incompetent driver.

Pluidze was sentenced to 30 days of house arrest last week after pleading guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter.

In a press release, the family said they believe Pluidze should have undergone a full toxicology exam after the accident. They are calling for Ohio to pass a law requiring such exams and for the Department of Transportation to lead all investigations into fatal truck crashes.

In court, Pluidze said he lost consciousness while driving due to illness.

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