Tommy Lee Sued in Child’s Drowning

Tommy Lee, former drummer for Mötley Crüe, faces a wrongful death lawsuit over the drowning death of a four-year old boy at his home last summer. The lawsuit was filed last Friday in Los Angeles Superior Court by actress Ursula Karven and television producer James Veres against Lee for negligence in the death of their son, Daniel, who was found floating face down in the shallow end of Lee’s pool. The incident occurred last June 16 at a birthday party for Lee and ex-wife Pamela Anderson’s son Brandon, 5. The suit claims Lee’s caretaker left the children in the pool unsupervised. Daniel had no swimming experience.

It is also stated in the suit that Daniel’s unconscious body was pulled out of the water by fellow partygoers, none of whom knew CPR. The boy had only been unconscious for a few minutes and could have been saved. Karven and Veres were not in attendance at the party but feel that Lee should be "held accountable for failing to watch their child." Lee "frantically" dialed 911 but it was too late. Daniel was pronounced dead a few hours later and the Los Angeles County Coroner said he died from asphyxia by drowning. No charges were filed against Lee and the death was listed as an accident.

Karven and Veres are seeking reimbursement for medical and hospital care, funeral and burial expenses, as well as punitive damages against Lee for their pain and suffering. As stated on Eonline.com, Michael Levine, spokesman for Karven and Veres says, "The family feels very strongly that Mr. Lee acted in a way that can only be described as inappropriate at best and reckless at worst. In my opinion, this is not a good day for Mr. Lee." Lee’s reps did not return calls for comment on the lawsuit, but when the incident occurred, Lee’s publicist stated he was "devastated" by the "tragic accident."