Resort Overserved Driver Who Critically Injured Family Of 4 In Crash: Lawsuit

WOODSTOCK, IL — A lawsuit alleges a Wisconsin Dells resort over-served alcohol to an Elgin man before a crash near Woodstock that killed him and seriously injured five others.

Authorities say 33-year-old Abuzar Zaidi had a blood-alcohol level of .357—more than four times the legal limit—when he caused the Feb. 16, 2025 crash. Investigators said Zaidi attempted to pass a truck in a no-passing zone — while driving with a 6-year-old passenger in his car — on Route 14 in Woodstock and struck an oncoming sports utility vehicle carrying a Wisconsin family of four.

Zaidi was killed in the crash. Police said its believed that Zaidi was involved in a collision on Route 14 near Kishwaukee Valley Road prior to the fatal crash.

• Coroner IDs Man, 33, Killed In Woodstock Collision

The complaint names Kalahari Resorts LLC and Zaidi, accusing them of negligence and willful and wanton conduct. The lawsuit seeks compensation “in an amount to be determined by a jury.” According to the article, the Murphy family—who were critically injured in the collision—filed the suit seeking damages for permanent injuries and other losses.

The collision occurred while the Murphy family, who lives in Wisconsin, were on their way back from a volleyball tournament in Chicago. Charlie Murphy, 13, and Georgia Murphy, 11, were taken by helicopter to Chicago-area children's hospitals and their parents, JoJo and Quinn were taken to other hospitals, according to a GoFundMe set up for the family.

"This has left their family physically separated in 4 different hospitals, each fighting their own battles to heal, with separate care teams and individual family members being at every location helping them," according to the GoFundMe.

As of August, the entire family had been released from their respective hospitals and were back home. All members of the family are still recovering and will need physical therapy, home modifications (wheel chairs and ramps) and extensive medical care, according to the GoFundMe, which as brought in more than $310,000.

The passenger in Zaidi's car, who was identified as his son, sustained serious injuries as well but survived, according to reports.