The suit was filed on behalf of Colton Krolak, 15, who lost his father Rick in the crash. Rick Krolak was an ABC 15 photographer. 

3TV reported that the lawsuit assigns blame for the crash to ABC 15 pilot Craig Smith and U.S. Helicopter Incorporated. 

It said Channel 3’s helicopter was stationary while Channel 15’s was maneuvering. 

Colton spoke at last weekend’s unveiling of a memorial to his father and three other journalists. 

“Thanks also to Channel 3 and Channel 15 for financial support of this memorial. And most of the all to the community for allowing to use this public place to honor and remember those we love so much,” said Colton Krolak. 

According to 3TV, attorneys said U.S. Helicopter Incorporated “knew or should have known…that defendant Craig Smith was a reckless, dangerous pilot.” 

The lawsuit states “defendant Craig Smith failed … to control the Channel 15 helicopter and caused it or allowed it to collide with the Channel 3 helicopter.” 

Aviation attorneys expect several more crash-related lawsuits to be filed in the coming months.