Family of hit-and-run victim sues ex-Viking Joe Senser

Former Minnesota Vikings tight end Joe Senser and his wife Amy have been sued following a hit-and-run crash that killed a Minneapolis man.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that the family of Anousone Phanthavong has sued the Sensers for the death that was caused Aug. 23 when Amy Senser allegedly struck him driving the couple’s 2009 Mercedes.

The Sensers reportedly waited a day to report the accident.

"Rich people can get away with it. But poor people would be sitting in jail right now," Vilayphone Phanthavong, a sister of the victim, said.

Phanthavong was pouring gas into his vehicle on I-94 exit ramp when he was struck. His vehicle and run out of fuel.

The Minneapolis State Patrol continues to investigate the incident and no charges have been filed to this point. The family has pursued the Sensers quickly, suing them for a wrongful death.

"(The Sensers have) refused to answer any of our questions, or declined our request to interview anyone with knowledge of the situation," Lt. Eric Roeske said. "It's certainly within their rights, but it doesn't help us answer any of the questions surrounding the crash."

The accident occurred at 11 p.m. and it wasn’t until the next night that an attorney representing the Sensers reached out to police. Their vehicle was towed and searched.

Joe Senser owns sports bars in the Twin Cities area and has been a color commentator for the team’s radio network.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune

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