Inmate hit with $13 million judgment

Kim Smith

Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2001 | 10:25 a.m.

A man serving five to 12 years in connection with a fatal car accident was ordered to pay the victim's family $13.6 million Monday.

Authorities believe John Hazelrigg had marijuana and methamphetamines in his system in April 1996 when he slammed into the rear of Orlando Toledo's truck at around 100 mph on Interstate 15 near Jean.

Toledo, 34, died after he was thrown from the vehicle, and Hazelrigg was arrested for driving under the influence. He eventually entered a plea agreement and was sentenced in October 1997.

The wrongful death suit filed on behalf of Toledo's wife, Maria, and son, O'Neil, wrapped up Monday, when District Judge Gene Porter ordered the damages.

District Judge Michael Douglas had found Hazelrigg responsible for Toledo's death during a bench trial in March, attorney Greg Denue, who represents the Toledo family, said.

Porter awarded the Toledo family $3.4 million in compensatory damages and $10.2 million in punitive damages, Denue said.

Hazelrigg's attorney, Ralph Schwartz, said he intends to ask Porter to reconsider his decision.

Denue was pleased with Porter's decision.

"It gives the family closure," Denue said. "This has been going on over five years, and they're happy the court has told them their husband and father's life was worth something."