A wrongful death lawsuit filed in New Jersey alleges that an 18-year-old high school wrestler fatally punched a 46-year-old man outside a Camden County bar in 2024.
Jennifer Beebe filed the civil complaint against Luke Humphrey, a senior at Delsea Regional High School, and Bobby Ray’s Black Horse Tavern, claiming they are responsible for the death of her husband, Oron Beebe.
According to the lawsuit, Humphrey — who was 16 at the time — allegedly attacked Oron Beebe without justification in a parking lot across from the tavern, striking him in the head and causing him to fall and suffer catastrophic head injuries that led to his death. The complaint describes Humphrey as having a “propensity for aggression” and cites prior disciplinary issues.
Allegations of Underage Drinking and Negligence
The lawsuit claims the bar allowed minors, including Humphrey, to be present while alcohol was being served and consumed and failed to prevent underage drinking or disorderly conduct. It further alleges that Humphrey and his parents were asked to leave due to disruptive behavior but that staff did not take adequate steps to prevent a confrontation outside the establishment.
Humphrey’s attorney, Robert Agre, denied that the teen consumed alcohol that night. The tavern’s owner also denied the allegations, stating that staff took precautions to ensure minors were not drinking.
A criminal complaint cited by NJ.com reports that Humphrey’s parents told police he acted in self-defense. One witness allegedly heard Humphrey say he knocked out the victim because he had been threatened. Humphrey was arrested in October 2024 and later indicted by a Camden County jury on a manslaughter charge.
Wrestling Eligibility Sparks Controversy
Despite the pending criminal case, Humphrey continues to wrestle for his high school. A spokesperson for the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association told NJ.com that there are no rules barring participation based solely on pending charges, and eligibility decisions are left to individual schools unless court restrictions apply.
Humphrey, who is free on bail, is scheduled to go to trial in March. The civil lawsuit remains ongoing.
