Family sues Duluth bar in man's freezing death

The family of a Duluth man has filed a lawsuit against a local bar, alleging that alcohol sales to the drunken man contributed to his death of exposure.

The Duluth News Tribune reports the lawsuit was filed against the Copasetic Lounge in the death of 22-year-old Scott Miner, who died in a parking lot on Jan. 25, 2009.

Court documents indicate Miner left the bar about 2 a.m. and his body was found just before 9 a.m. after spending the night in 17 degrees below zero.

An autopsy determined the cause of death to be "exposure, with acute alcohol intoxication." His time of death was estimated at 4 a.m.

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Copasetic Lounge denies that it illegally sold or furnished alcoholic drinks to Miner or that it contributed to his death.

The family is seeking more than $50,000 in damages.

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Information from: Duluth News Tribune

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