HAMILTON COUNTY

Parent suing Westfield Washington Schools over high school stage collapse

Justin L. Mack
justin.mack@Indystar.com
In this image from video provided by Zach Rader students from Westfield High School are on the stage during the grand finale of the concert dubbed "American Pie" Thursday April 23, 2015 just prior to the stage collapsed.

The parent of one of the 17 Westfield High School students injured after the theater's stage collapsed during a concert in the spring of 2015 is suing the school corporation for damages.

The lawsuit was filed Thursday in Hamilton Superior Court by Jennifer Hoffman. The filing claims that Westfield Washington Schools failed to properly supervise the employee who constructed the stage, and that lack of supervision led to her daughter's injuries.

The collapse happened on April 23, 2015, during a performance of the student-led musical "American Pie." The stage gave way underneath the weight of the students, as they were dancing and singing "Don't Stop Believin'," the final act of the show.

The incident sent dozens of students plunging into the orchestra pit. None of the injuries were life-threatening.

Officials: Westfield school employee built stage that collapsed

In the wake of the collapse, school and police officials said auditorium director Quinten James had removed large, steel support beams from beneath the orchestra pit cover in order to create more room for students. He then designed, bought materials and built a new cover for the orchestra pit.

They said he failed, though, to ensure the new cover was properly supported and designed to hold the weight of students.

Hoffman is suing for injuries suffered to her daughter and for failing to provide a safe environment for students. The plaintiff is also seeking damages for loss of consortium, loss of income and mental anguish.

The filing seeks a trial by jury, and the school corporation has 20 days to respond.

"Westfield Washington Schools has always placed the highest value on the safety of our students. We are aware of the suit, will review it further, and will address the allegations in a timely manner," said spokesperson Kate Snedeker in a statement.

In October 2015, the Indiana Department of Labor's Indiana Occupational Health and Safety Administration (IOSHA) leveled $11,700 in fines after inspecting the stage and investigating. IOSHA reported the new cover was installed without proper safety procedures and was not strong enough to hold the students.

The department later agreed to drop the fines leveled against the high school, after determining the school district had taken proper corrective action by reinstalling a properly built and supported stage cover.

The Hamilton County prosecutor's office also declined to press criminal charges against James, who was a part-time employee, stating that the faulty construction did not rise to the level of criminal culpability.

James resigned in June 2015.

IndyStar reporter Chris Sikich contributed to this story. Call IndyStar reporter Justin L. Mack at (317) 444-6138. Follow him on Twitter: @justinlmack.