Lawsuit Filed Over 2023 Lane County Crash That Claimed Life of Local Man
April 25, 2026, 4:03 a.m. PT — The family of Robert Hunter, who died in a May 2023 car crash in Lane County, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
The lawsuit alleges negligence by Park Ranger Tabbitha Sprague, who, according to court documents, failed to prevent intoxicated driver James Metzler from leaving the Fall Creek Recreation Area. The complaint, filed in Lane County Circuit Court on April 20, seeks $4.3 million in damages.
On May 4, 2023, at approximately 7:50 p.m., Sprague interacted with Metzler and Hunter, both 29 years old, noting their obvious intoxication. Beer cans were observed on the ground, and Sprague offered the group a trash bag. According to the lawsuit, she permitted them to remain in the day-use area despite it being against state park rules.
About 30 minutes later, Sprague saw Metzler's Nissan Pathfinder traveling at high speed before hearing the crash on Peninsula Road near Big Fall Creek Road. Hunter died in the incident, while Metzler fled on foot but was found by law enforcement shortly thereafter. He was subsequently taken to a hospital.
Metzler faced multiple charges, including second-degree manslaughter, and has since pleaded guilty, resulting in a 75-month prison sentence and a lifetime driver's license revocation.
Hunter's family claims that Sprague's negligence directly contributed to his death and that the crash was preventable. The Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation has not commented on the ongoing litigation.