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Family Files $25M Lawsuit In Air Show Death

The family of a Texas man killed when a racing aircraft crashed into spectators wants to hold the pilot's family and plane mechanic responsible.

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- The family of a Texas man killed when a racing aircraft crashed into spectators in Reno has filed $25 million lawsuit against the pilot's family, a mechanic on the World War II aircraft and the organization that hosted the event.

The lawsuit filed Tuesday in Collin County, Texas, is believed to be the first stemming from the Sept. 16 crash of pilot Jimmy Leeward's P-51D Mustang during the National Championship Air Races.

Eleven people died, including Leeward. At least 74 were hurt.

Attorney Tony Buzbee filed the lawsuit on behalf of Dr. Sezen Altug, the widow of dead spectator Craig Salerno, and their two children, ages 6 and 8.

Leeward's son, Kent Leeward, declined comment. Reno Air Racing Association chief Michael Houghton (HOW'-ton) says he hasn't seen the lawsuit yet.

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