An amended wrongful death lawsuit in Charleston County holds two bars partially responsible for the deaths of Lizzy Zito and Arianna Gamber, killed in hit-and-run crashes on April 28, 2024. The suit alleges overserving of drivers Seth Carlson and Max Gentilin, violating South Carolina alcohol service laws. No major case resolutions appear as of early 2026, with a jury trial requested.​
Incident Details
Zito and Gamber, lifelong friends from Simpsonville both nearly 21, were walking in a pedestrian/bike lane on Morrison Drive near the Ravenel Bridge on-ramp when struck. Carlson hit them first at 1:12 a.m. after drinking at multiple bars including a performance at Commonhouse Aleworks with free drinks, then fled with vehicle damage. Gentilin struck them 20 minutes later while grossly intoxicated from bar-hopping including Ink N Ivy, also fleeing without reporting.​
Legal Claims
The suit claims negligence, gross negligence, and negligence per se against the bars for serving visibly intoxicated patrons, breaching South Carolina’s prohibition on knowingly providing alcohol to intoxicated individuals (S.C. Code Ann. § 61-4-580). It names Commonhouse Aleworks, closed Ink N Ivy, and 10 other unnamed bars, seeking damages for the estates. Dram shop liability derives from this criminal statute in civil cases, requiring proof of overserving as a proximate cause.​
Criminal Status
Carlson, 32, faces two counts of reckless homicide by vehicle and hit-and-run; arrested May 6, 2024, released on bond May 24. Gentilin, 25, charged with leaving the scene of accidents causing death; arrested May 1. No recent trial or sentencing updates found.​
Family Actions
Families protested at the crash site demanding stricter DUI and overserving laws. Commonhouse issued a statement expressing condolences but declined further comment due to the active case. A jury trial demand was filed recently.​
