James Harden’s Houston restaurant, Thirteen, is facing a wrongful death lawsuit following a tragic car crash that claimed seven lives, including that of former NFL player D.J. Hayden.
The lawsuit, filed by Cassaundra Jackson, the mother of one of the victims, alleges that the restaurant overserved alcohol to Christian Daniel Herrera, who later caused the fatal accident.
On November 11, 2023, Herrera, after allegedly being overserved at Thirteen, drove his vehicle while intoxicated. His blood alcohol concentration was measured at 0.139. Herrera ran a red light at the intersection of Fannin Street and Pierce Street, colliding with another vehicle and causing a devastating crash. The collision resulted in the deaths of Herrera, Hayden, and five others.
Jackson’s lawsuit claims that Thirteen had a statutory duty to refrain from serving alcohol to an “obnoxiously intoxicated person.” The suit alleges that the restaurant’s staff failed to monitor and document the number of drinks served to Herrera, leading to his severe intoxication and the subsequent crash. Jackson is seeking more than $1 million in damages.
In response to the lawsuit, Thirteen released a statement expressing their condolences to the victims’ families.
“We cannot imagine what the family of Taylar Jackson has gone through this past year and offer our deepest sympathies to them and everyone whose lives were deeply impacted by that tragic accident. We were just made aware of the filing of this lawsuit. We ask for your patience as we gather more information on this filing and will make a more formal statement as soon as possible,” the statement read.
The crash has had a profound impact on the Houston community, particularly given the involvement of former University of Houston football players and an NFL veteran.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on the victims and their families, who are seeking justice and accountability. The case against Thirteen highlights the critical importance of responsible alcohol service and the devastating consequences that can arise from negligence.
