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Man Dies on Bus, Family Sues Driver
3 Sep
Summary
- Passenger died of fentanyl and methamphetamine overdose on a bus.
- Family alleges driver failed to follow protocol for unresponsive passengers.
- The lawsuit claims the death could have been prevented with timely action.
A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against a Muni bus driver and the city following the overdose death of a passenger. Quinton Allen died of fentanyl and methamphetamine on September 1, 2023, while on the 9 San Bruno bus. His family contends that operator Harry Tam's failure to adhere to protocol for unresponsive passengers contributed to his death.
Surveillance footage revealed Allen was unresponsive for about four hours, during which Tam attempted to rouse him without success. Tam testified he believed Allen was merely sleeping and that dispatch advised him to continue service. The family's attorney argues Tam had multiple opportunities to call for help, but instead "chose to ignore" the passenger's deteriorating condition.
The lawsuit, scheduled for trial in February, seeks damages for the emotional pain and loss of parental support experienced by Allen's two children. City attorneys maintain Allen caused his own death and that the lawsuit lacks sufficient evidence. The case highlights the increasing burden on public-facing workers to manage crises like the city's overdose epidemic.
