Estate of bicyclist killed by a dump truck sues for $2 million

By JIM KINNEY
The Saratogian

BALLSTON SPA — The estate of a Saratoga Springs bicyclist run over and killed by a dump truck last August is suing the driver and the truck's owner for $2 million.

At the time, Saratoga Springs police said Lawrence D. "Larry" Blake, 43, of Grand Avenue, rode his bicycle into the path of the truck, which was backing off Hamilton Street toward the site of the then-recently demolished Friendly's restaurant on Broadway.

The new City National Bank building was erected on the site.

According to papers filed Wednesday at Saratoga County Court, Blake was not breaking the law at the time of the accident. The suit accuses truck driver David M. Moffat Jr. of Ballston Spa of acting in a careless and negligent manner.

At the time of the accident, police didn't cite Moffat for any traffic violations.

Moffat and Roger W. Crandall, owner of Crandall Excavating in Ballston Spa, are both named as defendants.

Crandall couldn't be reached Friday.

The suit seeks $1 million in damages for Blake's pain and suffering and an additional $1 million in damages on behalf of Blake's family: his father, Lewis L. Blake of Saratoga Springs, and brothers, Lewis L. Blake and Merle Blake.

Blake suffered wounds to his head and chest and broke his leg, police said at the time. He died at the scene.

Blake bicycled throughout the city, collecting returnable bottles and cans to redeem for money. He worked for 18 years as a custodian at Franklin Community Center, where he is remembered fondly. He was known for arriving early on snowy mornings to clear the sidewalks.

The above article is reprinted from:
The Saratogian
Saturday, May 31, 2003
© The Saratogian, 2003
Used by permission.