HOUSTON — The families of the three passengers who died in the Oct. 20 helicopter crash in Houston filed a lawsuit Friday against multiple parties connected to the incident.
The suit is filed on behalf of three of the people who died in the crash: Julio Cesar Lerma, his ex-wife Marie Alonso and their nine-year-old son they were co-parenting, Dylon Lerma.
The pilot, Samantah Grandbouche, also died in the crash.
The lawsuit is against National Helicopter Solutions, the air tour company; SBA Communications, the owner of the radio tower; the pilot; and Porter Equipment Holding LLC, the owner of the aircraft.
"I think we need to go and try to find answers to questions that are still yet unanswered by the preliminary report," attorney Randy Sorrels said. "We need to determine maintenance history. We need to determine policies. We need to determine procedures of the sightseeing company as well."
Sorrels told KHOU 11 he also wants to review if the pilot was properly trained and if lights on the tower were working properly.
A preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board released Thursday determined at least two of the light beacons on the tower — the middle and top lights — were functioning at the time of the crash.
Sorrels said two other family members — Marie Alonso's niece and Dylon's four-year-old cousin and best friend — were also scheduled to be on the flight, but Dylon's cousin got sick and thus, the two could not go.
The family is seeking damages of at least $50 million.
"I can assure you the damages that they've suffered far exceed that number," Sorrels said. "The loss that they've suffered, that they're going to share with each other for the rest of their lives, is just beyond comprehension."
KHOU 11 reached out to the parties receiving the lawsuit but did not receive a response at the time of publication.
The family's shared the following statements:
Julio Cesar Lerma's family:
"Our family is devastated by the catastrophic loss of Cesar, who was a devoted son, beloved brother, and dedicated father. He had a generous and lighthearted spirit, always giving wholeheartedly and joking with the family. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.”
Marie Alonso's family:
"Marie Alonso was a devoted mother, loving, sister, aunt and friend. She was dedicated to raising her son and giving him the best life possible. Maria, a forever young soul, was full of love and light. Quality time with her family was what she valued most and becoming a mother was her greatest achievement. Dylon was the love of her life.”
Julio Cesar Lerma and Marie Alonso's family on Dylon:
"Dylon Maximus Lerma was a bright and imaginative child – wise beyond his short nine years of age. He had a passion for climbing, drawing, and creating comics. He was full of just the same love and light as his parents and was blessed to have two loving coparents. As tragic as this has been to all of us affected, there’s some comfort in knowing that they are all together in the Lord’s presence.”