The family of a Crystal Lake man is taking the operator of Classic Cinemas in Woodstock to court, alleging a routine trip to the movies turned into a fatal disaster after he was left in a dark auditorium, fell while trying to leave, and later died from his injuries. Their wrongful-death complaint seeks damages and accuses the theater of safety lapses they say led directly to his fall.
What the lawsuit says
According to FOX 32 Chicago, the lawsuit identifies the man as 62-year-old Jack Thomas Smerecky and alleges the fall happened after employees turned the lights off following a Nov. 26 screening. The complaint says staff did not check the screening room, failed to provide adequate lighting along the path to the exits, and that Smerecky "fell, sustaining serious injuries" before later dying on Dec. 4, 2025.
Obituary and family details
Obituary listings confirm Smerecky’s death on Dec. 4, 2025, and describe him as a longtime Crystal Lake resident and family man, remembered for his handiwork and devotion to relatives, according to an online notice at Davenport Family Funeral Home. The notice includes visitation and funeral details that were posted by the family.
Local reporting and video
FOX 32 Chicago also reported on the complaint and summarized the family’s allegation that Smerecky was left alone in a dark auditorium, later dying from complications of the fall. In its brief video segment, the station repeats the claim that the theater was not checked after the screening and notes that the family is asking a court to hold the operator responsible for negligence.
Theater response and coroner status
Attorneys for Tivoli Enterprises Inc., which operates Classic Cinemas, have denied the lawsuit’s assertions. The company offered condolences but declined to comment further, citing the pending court case, the Northwest Herald reports. The paper also notes that the Winnebago County coroner told reporters the cause and manner of Smerecky’s death remained under review at the time of its reporting.
Legal context
Under Illinois’ Wrongful Death Act, families may bring civil claims when a death is caused by a wrongful act, neglect or default. The statute sets out who can sue and the types of remedies available. The text of 740 ILCS 180 is available from the Illinois General Assembly. Premises-liability rules, which focus on whether an owner or occupier used reasonable care under the circumstances, will guide any negligence arguments about lighting, inspections and employee procedures. Background on that standard can be found in summaries of the state’s Premises Liability Act and related case law at Justia.
The lawsuit is pending in McHenry County court. The family’s complaint and the theater operator’s answer are now part of the public record, and any scheduling orders or future filings will appear on the county docket. This story will be updated as the court processes the case or additional documents become public.
