Lamborghini driver denies fault in fatal crash in Delray

The health mogul behind the wheel of a Lamborghini involved in a fatal wreck in mid-September denied fault in the crash in response to a lawsuit filed against him, according to court documents.

Roger Wittenberns, 60, is being sued by Eloise Smith, who represents the estate of her late husband, J. Gerald Smith, an 82-year-old Uber driver killed in the crash.

Wittenberns’ attorneys wrote in a response, filed on Jan. 5, to Smith’s lawsuit that Wittenberns denies claims that he was at fault in the crash. The response also says J. Gerald Smith, whose SUV was struck while driving west on Northeast First Street at Federal Highway, contributed to the deadly crash.

The response also blames the city of Delray Beach and the Florida Department of Transportation for roadway conditions that contributed to the wreck.

Wittenberns was speeding north on Federal Highway as his girlfriend, Patty Ann McQuiggin, drove a Porsche alongside him, according to city police. He slammed into Smith’s SUV as it was westbound on Northeast First Street.

Witt enberns l a t er tol d police he and McQuiggin had been drinking that afternoon, investigators said.

Smith’s lawsuit claims Wittenberns was intoxicated, speeding and negligently operated the Lamborghini at the time of the wreck.

The crash prompted action from the city and the department of transportation after a traffic study revealed safety improvements were necessary at the intersection involved.

The DOT will add signs, but not a traffic light at the intersection.