A notice of bankruptcy filed by a defendant in a civil lawsuit stemming from a hit-and-run collision that cost a man his leg has halted the case.
Michael Gentry was checking the mailbox in front of the house on Farm to Market Road 559, where he lives with his brother, when he was struck by a Ford F-150 pickup driven by 18-year-old Angela Dawn Cox. Cox is serving a 10-year term of probation for failure to stop and render aid. She must complete residential treatment for substance abuse as a condition of probation.
Gentry's left leg was amputated and suffered serious injury to his right. He is currently undergoing intravenous antibiotic therapy to treat an infection that threatens the loss of the remaining leg.
Michael Gentry filed a civil suit against Angela Cox and her mother, Brenda Cox, seeking recompense for his medical bills and suffering. The suit accuses Angela Cox of being drunk or high when she hit Michael Gentry with her mother's truck and accuses Brenda Cox of allowing her daughter to drive the pickup despite knowing of her substance abuse issues. Angela Cox was jailed twice for submitting urine specimens that showed she had been using drugs or alcohol while free on bond.
Last week, Brenda Cox filed a notice of bankruptcy in the case which is pending before 202nd District Judge John Tidwell. The bankruptcy filing triggered an automatic stay in the proceedings.
In an interview with the Gazette last month, Michael Gentry's brother, Joe Gentry, expressed concern that any settlement from the Cox's auto insurance carrier might do little to cover mounting medical expenses. Michael Gentry's lawyers have not yet addressed the bankruptcy notice.
A GoFundMe account has been created for Michael Gentry into which donations for his medical care can be deposited. Anyone wishing to contribute can visit: gofundme. com/michael-gentrys-medical-fund.