Los Angeles

Doctor Says Skrillex Jump Into Crowd Left Woman With Stroke

Fraissl says she was standing near the front of the crowd when Skrillex beckoned fans forward, making it hard for her to leave or protect herself.

A woman who sued Skrillex, alleging the DJ, record producer and musician leapt on top of her from a downtown Los Angeles stage in 2012, suffered a stroke 16 days later, a radiologist testified Wednesday.

Dr. Stephen Hetts also testified that 18 hours after the Feb. 11, 2012, incident at the Belasco Theatre, Jennifer Fraissl, then 24, texted her then-boyfriend that she had suffered neck pain and whiplash.

Using slides containing images of Fraissl's injuries, Hetts said the plaintiff had an ischemic stroke, which occur when the arteries to the brain become narrowed or blocked, causing severely reduced blood flow.

Hetts said it is unusual for someone as young as Fraissl to have a stroke.

Fraissal, of Pleasant Hill in Contra Costa County, sued Skrillex, whose real name is Sonny John Moore, and Lost Boys Touring Inc., in February 2014, alleging battery and negligence. Trial of her suit is taking place before a Los Angeles Superior Court jury.

Fraissl says she was standing near the front of the crowd when Skrillex beckoned fans forward, making it hard for her to leave or protect herself. She says Skrillex unexpectedly jumped from his table several feet above the stage and landed on the back of her head.

In their court papers, attorneys for Skrillex and Lost Boys state that Fraissl went to a Skrillex show in June 2011, where the DJ also jumped from the stage. The plaintiff stood near the front of the stage at the Belasco and assumed the risk she could be injured, according to the defense lawyers.

Skrillex, who testified Tuesday, is a 30-year-old Highland Park native. He was once the lead singer of the post-hardcore band From First to Last and recorded two studio albums with the group before leaving to pursue a solo career in 2007.

Copyright CNS - City News Service
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