PARKERSBURG — The mother of a 20-year-old woman killed in a February off-road vehicle crash has filed a civil lawsuit in Wood County Circuit Court, alleging negligence against a former Parkersburg police officer, his mother and the estate of another passenger who died in the wreck.

The complaint, filed Aug. 15 by attorneys for Bridgett Barre, seeks damages on behalf of the estate of her daughter, Chloe Barre, who died Feb. 10, 2025, when a Polaris RZR side-by-side crashed on Sams Creek Road.

Also killed in the crash was 23-year-old Joseph Lowers II.

The lawsuit names as defendants former Parkersburg officer Edward McComas III, his mother Jessica McComas and Joseph Lowers, administrator of his late son’s estate.

Parkersburg Mayor Tom Joyce confirmed McComas is no longer employed as a city police officer but declined further comment.

According to court filings, Edward McComas allegedly took his mother’s Polaris RZR from her Parkersburg residence early Feb. 10 and drove it on public roads to pick up Lowers and Barre. Surveillance images cited in the complaint show McComas and Lowers purchasing alcohol at a Pike Street gas station shortly after 1 a.m.

The suit alleges McComas drove recklessly and under the influence of alcohol before losing control of the RZR around 2:19 a.m., when the vehicle struck a tree.

Investigators documented McComas’ blood alcohol content at more than 0.15% according to the filing.

The complaint further claims McComas initially attempted to mislead investigators by moving Lowers’ body into the driver’s seat and telling residents and law enforcement that Lowers had been driving.

Attorneys for Barre argue in the suit that McComas’ actions — including intoxicated driving, excessive speed and failure to render aid — directly cause Barre’s death. The suit also accuses Jessica McComas of negligent entrustment for allegedly allowing her son to use the vehicle despite a “history of reckless behavior”, and it asserts liability under West Virginia’s “family purpose doctrine”.

As an alternative claim, the complaint alleges Lowers may have been driving and, if so, was also intoxicated and negligent, contributing to the fatal crash.

The lawsuit seeks an unspecified amount in compensatory and punitive damages for funeral expenses, emotional distress and loss of companionship.

Barre has demanded a jury trial.