Rocker Lee cleared in child drowning trial

SANTA MONICA, Calif. -- A jury Thursday rejected a wrongful-death claim against rock drummer Tommy Lee for the drowning of a little boy during a children's birthday party at his home.

The Superior Court jury took less than three hours before returning the unanimous verdict in the lawsuit over the 2001 death of 4-year-old Daniel Karven-Veres at Lee's Malibu home.

"Although I am relieved that the court has found me not negligent, there are no winners in this sad situation," Lee said later in a statement.

The victim's parents, actress Ursula Karven and TV producer James Veres, sued Lee for wrongful death, accusing him of negligence for failing to have a lifeguard or someone trained in CPR present during the birthday party for Lee's son Brandon. Their lawyer, Thomas Girardi, had suggested a $10 million award.

Karven testified that she didn't know there would be swimming at the party, adding that she would have made sure Daniel brought his water wings.

Lee said he did everything he could to ensure the safety of his son's guests, including requiring that every child who attended have an adult there to supervise them.

Lee's attorney, James Baratta, said responsibility lay with the boy's parents, who did not accompany him to the party, and other people who were supposed to look out for Daniel.

The boy was sent to the party with a caretaker, a German exchange student who can no longer be located. When the caretaker left early to attend a concert, both sides said, he placed Daniel in the care of a nanny who was there to watch other children.

Lee is the former Motley Crue drummer who was once married to TV star Pamela Anderson. The couple had two sons, Brandon and Dylan.