PHOENIX — The family of a man who died after being punched outside a downtown nightclub has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Phoenix, a nightclub, a security company, and others, alleging negligence and excessive force in a confrontation that was captured on video.
The complaint, filed in Maricopa County Superior Court, stems from a March 16, 2025, fight outside Club DWNTWN that left 22-year-old Rafael Montoya with fatal injuries. Montoya died three days later, according to police and court records.
According to the lawsuit, Montoya was waiting in line with friends shortly before 2:30 a.m. when security denied them entry and ordered them to leave, sparking a confrontation. The suit alleges that security personnel forcibly removed Montoya and others, leading to multiple fights involving staff and patrons…