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Bankruptcy hearing canceled for former Pittsburgh regatta promoter | TribLIVE.com
Allegheny

Bankruptcy hearing canceled for former Pittsburgh regatta promoter

Bob Bauder
Bob Bauder
1989516_web1_gtr-TK-regatta-04-080119
Tribune-Review
Jet Ski Freestyle Championships were popular events at the annual Three Rivers Regatta.

A Ross company blamed for this year’s Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta debacle was scheduled to appear in federal bankruptcy court Monday, but the hearing was canceled because the company president is out of town.

Derek Weber, 44, president of LionHeart Event Group LLC, in September filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection following cancellation of the regatta. Bankruptcy documents indicate LionHeart, which promoted the regatta for years, has just $2,265 in total assets and owes a total of $744,526.

Chapter 7 provides for liquidation — the sale of a debtor’s nonexempt property and the distribution of the proceeds to creditors.

Brian C. Thompson, LionHeart’s attorney, said Weber was away on Monday and could not attend a hearing, in which creditors were permitted to question him. Thompson declined further comment.

Rosemary C. Crawford, a court-appointed bankruptcy trustee, said another hearing would be scheduled.

The only creditors in attendance were attorneys for the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office and Starfire Corp. of Carrolltown, both of whom declined comment.

Starfire claims it is owed $126,451 for fireworks in 2018 and 2019. The Sheriff’s Office has sued LionHeart seeking repayment of $32,978 for security services provided during the 2018 regatta and EQT Flashes of Freedom Celebrate America fireworks display on July 4.

Weber in an unrelated incident is facing a drunken driving charge filed by Ross police. Pittsburgh officials have said city police are investigating his involvement with the regatta.

Bob Bauder is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Bob at 412-564-3080, [email protected] or via Twitter .

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