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Father of teen injured in fatal Pembroke crash files lawsuit against Hi-Way Safety Systems

PEMBROKE, Mass. — The father of a 13-year-old girl injured in a Pembroke car crash that killed a teen girl in December has filed a lawsuit against Hi-Way Safety Systems, the company whose Christmas party allegedly preceded the fatal crash.

That party – and an alleged “private gathering” at the company president’s Pembroke home afterward – was attended by Hi-Way Safety Systems employees, including Gregory Goodsell, 31.

Goodsell was charged with manslaughter and OUI following the fatal crash on December 29. He was behind the wheel of a company vehicle when it crashed into a Subaru carrying three people.

Kendall Zemotel has been recovering in the hospital since that accident that killed her best friend, 13-year-old Claire Zisserson, and injured Zisserson’s mother. Now the Zemotel family is seeking justice, issuing the following statement to Boston 25 News:

Our focus continues to be on the health of our daughter Kendall, who has been fighting for her life since the tragic events of December 29, 2019. Our family appreciates the enormous outpouring of love and support throughout these difficult weeks. We ask for privacy and respect as we do our best to navigate this unexpected and life-changing journey.

—  Zemotel Family

That statement comes after Kendall’s father, Gary Zemotel, filed a lawsuit against Hi-Way Safety Systems and its owners on behalf of his daughter. The lawsuit slams Hi-Way Safety Systems and its owners – Kenneth Horn and Kathy DeLong – citing negligence during their December 28 company Christmas party.

The court documents allege that, “Hi-Way Safety Systems Inc. supplied, provided, served, furnished and/or permitted [the] use of illegal narcotics, to include cocaine […] negligently and carelessly allowed, permitted, and/or entrusted use of its vehicle to the defendant, Gregory Goodsell, with knowledge of his intoxication.”

Police say Goodsell killed Zisserson when he ran a red light. In the lawsuit, the Zemotel family is asking for money for Kendall’s medical bills, which are expected to be more than $50,000.

“Kendall Zemotel was caused to sustain serious personal injuries including but not limited to traumatic brain injury, multiple orthopedic injuries to her neck, shoulder, pelvis and bilateral legs, and internal injuries,” the lawsuit reads.

In a social media post, Kendall’s mother, Heather, wrote that Kendall is strong and making progress every day.

“She is breathing on her own and she is more awake and alert and slowly beginning to move her body again,” she wrote. “She is regaining her ability to speak and share her thoughts with us. It is pretty amazing.”

Boston 25 News has learned that Hi-Way Safety Systems has hired a Boston public relations firm to handle this case. That firm had no comment when reached.

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