Fox

Following a denial of their motion for a new trial, Pacific Southwest Airlines appeals a judgment in a wrongful death action in which the jury awarded $152,076 to Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Fox, the parents and heirs of Gary Fox who was killed in the September 25, 1978, commercial jet-small plane collision and crash in *568 San Diego, California. PSA did not contest liability so the sole issue was the amount of damages to reasonably compensate Mr. and Mrs. Fox for their loss. The Foxes cross-appeal on the single issue of prejudgment interest.

The evidence revealed Gary Fox was a young man of exceptional quality. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of California at Los Angeles as a member of Phi Beta Kappa and was selected to the “Dean’s List” eight times. When he was killed at age 25, Gary was in his senior year of medical school and desired to specialize in pediatrics. His parents, brother, fiancee, high school gymnastics coach, and others related to his academic pursuits testified Gary was industrious, sensitive, generous and affectionate. Gary established a close relationship with his peers as well as his family. In appreciation of his parents’ financial and…