Wrongful Death Lawsuit filed After a Woman is Killed on Santa Monica Beach
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After their daughter was killed by an allegedly reckless driver on a Santa Monica beach, Sherese Allen's parents filed a wrongful death lawsuit.
Case: Eugenia Tate and Antron Allen v. The City of Santa Monica, Yuyang Sun, Liang Tang, Jie Ding
Court: Los Angeles Superior Court (California)
Case No.: 25SMCV03861
The Plaintiffs: Tate and Allen v. The City of Santa Monica
The plaintiffs, Eugenia Tate and Antron Allen, are the parents of the late Sherese Allen, who lost her life in a fatal beach accident on October 17, 2024. According to the complaint, Sherese was resting on the sand at Santa Monica Beach when a driver entered the beach area and began recklessly operating a vehicle in circular motions at high speed. The vehicle struck Allen, trapping her underneath and causing fatal injuries. Her parents allege that the City of Santa Monica’s negligence and failure to maintain safe conditions were a direct cause of their daughter’s death.
The Defendants: Tate and Allen v. The City of Santa Monica
The lawsuit names the City of Santa Monica and individuals Yuyang Sun, Liang Tang, and Jie Ding as defendants. The complaint asserts that the driver and associated parties acted negligently, causing Allen’s death, and that the City created and maintained a dangerous condition by failing to prevent vehicles from accessing the beach. According to the lawsuit, the City had control over the beach area and was aware of prior incidents where vehicles had entered and caused injuries or fatalities. Despite this knowledge, the City allegedly failed to install barriers, signage, or enforcement measures to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
A History of the Case: Tate and Allen v. The City of Santa Monica
The plaintiffs first filed a government claim in March 2025, which is the required preliminary step before suing a public entity in California. After the claim process was concluded, a wrongful death lawsuit was filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court. The complaint seeks damages for wrongful death, negligence, and the creation of dangerous conditions on public property. The plaintiffs seek compensation for loss of companionship, mental anguish, and the emotional devastation of losing their daughter, as well as punitive damages to hold the responsible parties accountable.
The Main Question Being Considered: Tate and Allen v. The City of Santa Monica
The central question before the court is whether the City of Santa Monica bears legal responsibility for failing to safeguard the public by allowing vehicles to access the beach area. The court will examine whether the City’s alleged inaction (despite prior similar incidents) constitutes the creation of a dangerous condition under California Government Code § 835, and whether that negligence directly contributed to Allen’s death.
FAQ: Tate and Allen v. The City of Santa Monica
Q: What happened to Sherese Allen?
A: On October 17, 2024, Sherese Allen was resting on Santa Monica Beach when a vehicle drove onto the sand, and struck her,. The incident allegedly resulted in her death.
Q: Who filed this wrongful death lawsuit?
A: The lawsuit was filed by the parents of the woman who was hit byt he vehicle, Eugenia Tate and Antron Allen.
Q: What are the allegations against the Defendant?
A: The plaintiffs allege that the City failed to prevent vehicles from entering the beach despite knowing it was a recurring danger. By doing so, the plaintiffs argue they created a hazardous condition on public property.
Q: What damages are being sought?
A: The lawsuit seeks compensation for wrongful death, mental anguish, and loss of companionship. The lawsuit also seeks punitive damages.
If you have questions about wrongful death claims, negligence, or public entity liability in California, contact Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik DeBlouw LLP. Experienced wrongful death attorneys are ready to help at offices in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Riverside, and Chicago.
