The survivors of 52-year old security guard, Juan Villamariona, were awarded $10.5 million after he was killed by a CBS van that was transporting passengers.
Villamariona was securing the set of the CBS detective show NCIS. The driver of a 15-passenger van, Ralph Blunt, was transporting employees at CBS studios, when he passed out and crashed into Villamariona, killing him instantly.
At the outset of the case, CBS issued an apology statement addressing the friends and family of the victim. However, at trial, CBS asserted that the driver’s medical emergency was completely out of its control, therefore, making it not liable for the accident or the death.
Despite the defense by CBS, the jury found in favor of the plaintiffs granting them $10.5 million. While the family was grateful for the amount they received in damages, Villamariona’s oldest daughter said, “No one will understand the emptiness we feel.”
