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Coroner Rules Louisville Garbage-Pickup Death Accidental as Family Challenges Account

The accidental ruling set up a fight over access to video evidence.

Overview

  • Tyrah Adams, 35, who was unhoused, was picked up during an alley cleanup on February 12 and later collapsed at a nearby store before being taken to a hospital.
  • The Jefferson County coroner said she died from blunt force and compressional trauma linked to contact with a city garbage truck and listed the death as accidental.
  • A police report says the grappler operator lifted a pile of trash, set it down, got out to look, then returned to the seat and pulled the truck forward.
  • Louisville placed the two Public Works employees on administrative leave, and the Metro Police Public Integrity Unit is leading the investigation.
  • The family’s lawyer says truck and nearby camera footage has not been shared and alleges a truck’s internal camera was found covered, and the family plans a civil lawsuit.