Zachary Pusch
DONALDSONVILLE – An Ascension Parish woman is suing a strip club for the beating death of her husband.
Ashley Davenport Tanner filed suit on May 4 against Steve Duke, Suthern Kumfurts, Inc., Charles Puckett and their insurer in the 23rd Judicial District Court.
Tanner claims her husband, Willis Harrison Tanner, IV, was a customer at Suthern Kumfurts located on Airline Highway in Prairieville. The plaintiff alleges Duke and Puckett employed 20-year old Zachary Pusch and allowed him to drink on the premises while working on May 4 when he got into altercation with Mr. Tanner and pushed him to the ground and kicked him in the face repeatedly until he died.
Duke and Puckett are accused of negligence by employing Pusch who had a violent criminal history, intentionally serving and allowing a minor to consume alcohol, creating an unreasonable risk of harm, failing to provide adequate security, negligent hiring and training.
An unspecified amount in damages is sought for Mrs. Tanner's emotional trauma, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life and the physical and emotional pain Mr. Tanner suffered prior to his death.
Mrs. Tanner is being represented by attorney Allen V. Davis of Gonzales.
The case has been assigned to Division A Judge Ralph Tureau.
Case number 103658.