Lawsuit alleges driver who hit ‘Low Country Chef’ was distracted; she denies that claim
The family of the well-known “Low Country Chef” who died two weeks after a car struck his motorized wheelchair has filed a wrongful death lawsuit, claiming the driver was negligent because she was using her cellphone at the time of the collision.
Beaufort native Steve Brown, 74, was crossing near the 1300 block of Ribaut Road just before noon on April 9 when a southbound Dodge Charger struck the back of his wheelchair at an estimated 40 mph. He was injured but refused treatment from EMS at the scene, according to Beaufort police.
The driver, 26-year-old Beaufort woman Alacia Gadson, denied using her phone at the time of the collision and claimed the plaintiffs’ lawyers had omitted crucial details, such as Brown “already having health issues” prior to the incident. Her attorney could not be immediately reached on Friday.
A few hours after the collision, Brown was leaving a late lunch when he required medical attention. First responders took him to Beaufort Memorial Hospital and later to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, where he passed away April 23. Beaufort County Coroner David Ott said the man died of complications from injuries sustained in the crash.
An accident report from the Beaufort Police Department says Brown was crossing in a non-crosswalk area, about halfway between Ribaut Road’s intersections with Spanish Point Drive and Johnny Morrall Circle. The investigating officer did not find the driver at fault, indicating in the report that Brown “contributed to the collision.”
But the family’s lawsuit claims Gadson was using her cellphone at the time of the crash. Her “lack of attention” caused her to run into the back of Brown’s wheelchair, causing “fear, pain, and injuries, and ultimately his death,” according to the court summons.
Brown was a celebrated Beaufort chef who spent decades running a number of beloved local food joints, such as Village Inn Pizza Parlor, Steve Brown Catering and Market on Ribaut Road and later Steve Brown Cookies, an online gourmet bakery. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Brown took to social media to share his favorite recipes live over Zoom.
Seth Paulk, a Morgan & Morgan attorney from Hilton Head representing Brown’s family, did not respond to requests for comment but forwarded a statement from the deceased man’s relatives.
“As we continue to process the passing of our beloved father and husband, our family has been working with Morgan & Morgan for legal guidance and appropriate next steps,” the statement read. “We ask the community of Beaufort for their continued thoughts and prayers, as well as respecting our privacy on this matter.”
Beaufort interim police Chief Stephenie Price said Friday that the investigation of the collision is pending the completion of medical records.
Hundreds turned out to Brown’s funeral on May 5, honoring his vibrant personality with bright, colorful clothing. Attendees were treated to platters of his famous cookies and pamphlets of “The Unofficial Steve Brown Cookbook,” compiled from his culinary creations made during the pandemic.
