Lawsuit Alleges Drunk Fraternity Brother Ploughed into Cal Poly Students, Fled Scene

Two California Polytechnic State University students were allegedly struck by a speeding, drunk fraternity member driving a Tesla who then fled the scene, according to a lawsuit.

Lilianne Burke and Zoey Archibald, both 19, were walking with friends in San Luis Obispo on January 8 when Ishan Pandhare, 20, allegedly hit them at approximately 60 mph in a 25 mph zone. The collision occurred near Crandall Way and Foothill Boulevard.

Injuries and Lawsuit Allegations

The lawsuit, filed on July 10 in San Luis Obispo County Superior Court, claims both students sustained severe injuries requiring surgery and ongoing medical care. The complaint states that instead of stopping, Pandhare allegedly drove away, leaving the victims injured in the roadway. The suit further alleges that the driver did not brake, sound a warning, or attempt to slow down before or after the impact.

Burke and Archibald are suing Pandhare, along with several other students and the Kappa Sigma fraternity. The plaintiffs accuse the defendants of facilitating the events that led to the crash, including providing alcohol to an underage individual and fostering dangerous drinking practices, which may include hazing.

Pandhare, who was under the legal drinking age of 21 at the time of the incident, had allegedly been drinking at multiple gatherings before getting behind the wheel of a gray 2021 Tesla Model 3. The lawsuit names Anna Grillo, 21, as allegedly hosting a party where alcohol was provided to Pandhare. Another party is alleged to have been organized or hosted by Kappa Sigma members, including Aidan Jameson Kennedy, 21, and Kip Stackle, 22.

Kennedy, who allegedly owned the Tesla, is accused of giving Pandhare the keys despite knowing the driver was intoxicated and unfit to operate the vehicle. The lawsuit also claims fraternity members frequently borrowed and drove each other's cars.

The plaintiffs contend that the fraternity and other named defendants are responsible for furnishing alcohol to an underage student and promoting hazardous drinking behaviors, including alleged hazing during initiation activities. The suit argues that the fraternity's actions created the dangerous circumstances that resulted in the collision.

"Two Cal Poly students were run over and left bleeding in the road by an underage driver under the influence who cowardly fled the scene," stated Theo Emison, Archibald’s attorney, to The Tribune. "We will find all persons who are responsible in any way for this tragedy and hold every one of them accountable for this despicable conduct."

Christopher Dolan, Burke’s attorney, criticized what he described as a series of failures leading up to the incident. "There are so many layers of failure here that had the law been followed by any one of the people who furnished the alcohol, provided the vehicle, encouraged excessive consumption and drove the vehicle, this life-changing collision would not have happened," Dolan said. "The lawsuit should be seen as a wake-up call to the alcohol culture in colleges and universities: if you break the law and cause harm, you will be identified, pursued and held accountable."

Legal Proceedings

San Luis Obispo police identified and arrested Pandhare. On February 2, prosecutors charged him with multiple felonies, including driving under the influence causing injury, reckless driving, and hit-and-run causing injury, with sentencing enhancements related to the victims' serious injuries. Pandhare pleaded not guilty to all charges on February 4, and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for October 19.

Burke and Archibald are seeking unspecified damages for their injuries, medical expenses, emotional suffering, and other losses, and reserve the right to pursue punitive damages. The California Post has reached out to the national Kappa Sigma organization and Pandhare’s attorney for comment.