Hancock's father files lawsuit

St. Louis -- The father of late St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Josh Hancock has filed a wrongful death suit in circuit court in St. Louis.

Hancock, 29, was drinking at Mike Shannon's Steaks and Seafood Restaurant prior to his fatal crash early April 29 when his rented SUV rear-ended a parked tow truck.

On its Web site, the team noted the suit names several defendants, including the restaurant, Eddie's Towing, tow truck driver Jacob Hargrove and motorist Justin Tolar.

The tow truck was parked in an active lane of traffic on I-64 in St. Louis while tending to Tolar's car, which had been in an earlier wreck.

"The facts and circumstances associated with the death of my son have caused great pain to all of Josh's family," Dean Hancock said in a statement. "As administrator of his estate, I have a duty to represent Josh's family regarding all of the issues related to his death, including any legal actions necessary against those who contributed."

Copyright 2007 by United Press International.