Playing with Fire Print
Wednesday, May 29 2013

An Illinois woman who fell into a bonfire is suing the owner of the barn, the sorority that sponsored an event at the location, and the liquor store that supplied alcohol to the party.

Lauren Bucaro, a student at Illinois State University, is seeking more than $50,000 in damages in a lawsuit against Pleasant View Farms and its owner Sam Payne, the Gamma Phi Beta sorority and University Liquors. According to news reports, the lawsuit accuses Payne of failing to provide security for guests and safety measures, including the creation of “a dangerous condition on the premises by growing the bonfire so big that it became unsafe and dangerous for his guests.” The lawsuit further alleges that the sorority failed to provide enough "event monitors" for the party and University Liquors did not obtain the necessary licenses.

Police reports indicate Bucaro had a blood alcohol level of 0.145 percent, which is almost twice the legal limit for driving. Payne also alleged Bucaro “climbed on top of a burning fire and posed for a picture for her boyfriend.”

“How is that my fault?” said Payne, who is no longer hosting barn dances.

Source: pantagraph.com