Family of Oregon couple killed while biking on Silverado Trail in Napa sues couple for negligence and wrongful death

The family of an Oregon couple who died while biking on the Silverado Trail in Napa last October has filed a lawsuit against the driver of a truck and the company that owns the truck, accusing them of negligence and wrongful death.

Christian Deaton, 52, and Michelle Deaton, 48, of Portland, Oregon, were driving north on the two-lane highway around 11 a.m. on Oct. 17 when a three-axle Freightliner loaded with lumber attempted to pass them. A piece of lumber slid over the edge of the truck and struck the two, authorities said at the time.

Christian Deaton’s death was pronounced at the crash site north of Oak Knoll Avenue.

Michelle Deaton was taken by ambulance to Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center in Napa, where she later died.

The driver of the truck, owned by Central Valley Builders Supply, stopped after the accident and cooperated with the California Highway Patrol.

“We are devastated by this news and our deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the victims,” ​​a Central Valley spokesperson said in an email to The Press Democrat the next morning. “Central Valley continues to gather facts to determine exactly what happened and is working closely with local law enforcement who are investigating this incident.”

The lawsuit names Central Valley Builders Supply, Foster Lumber Yards and the truck driver, as well as other unnamed individuals involved in the alleged negligence.

The parents of Christian Deaton and Michelle Deaton – Douglass Miller, Carolyn Deaton and Donald Deaton – are seeking unlimited damages and litigation costs. The plaintiffs are also asking for a jury trial, according to the lawsuit filed May 16 in Napa County Superior Court.