Michael Searley

Michael Searley
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Michael Searley

Wrongful death lawsuit filed against Wegmans

A Chili couple has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Wegmans Food Markets.Two years ago their son, Michael Searley, bought beer at a Wegmans store using a fake ID. Driving drunk, the teen later crashed his car and died.
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Michael Searley bought two 12 packs of beer at Wegmans.After a night of celebrating his graduation, Searley got behind the wheel of his car, struck a mailbox and rolled his car.He was ejected and later died at the hospital

Searley was only 17.He used his learner's permit with a fake birth date to purchase the beer.
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But Searley says the store is partly to blame.He hopes the lawsuit saves other families from going through something like this.Sean Searley hopes is saves other teens."Don't get behind the wheel.Call one of your friends, call your girlfriend, call your parents.You're better off getting in trouble for drinking than crashing a car and risking your life."

Searley would like to see stores use better technology that can detect fraudulent id.He says Hess Gas stations use this technology.

In the meantime, Wegmans has changed its policy.Proof of age is required for anyone buying alcohol.