Family Of Teen Killed In Maine Hayride Crash Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit

OAKLAND, Maine (CBS) -- The family of a Maine teen killed in an October 2014 hayride crash has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the farm owner.

Cassidy Charette, 17, of Oakland Maine was killed and more than a dozen other passengers were injured when one of the wagons on Harvest Hills Farm's Halloween-themed hayride overturned.

Investigators said at the time that a mechanical problem with the Jeep pulling the wagon likely caused the incident.

Cassidy's parents said in a public statement Wednesday they consider the civil suit filing an, "opportunity for education and change."

"If it can raise awareness that will prevent even one family from enduring such an unfathomable loss, then the lawsuit is necessary and worthwhile," parents Monica and Randy Charette said.

"Any financial compensation we receive will be thoughtfully used to extend into the world the love and compassion we know Cassidy would have given, if she were here."

The family says they plan to use the money to build a charity organization named ShineOnCass Foundation in their daughter's memory.