Two Employees Fired After Woman Killed By Garbage Truck

Several months after a homeless woman was killed by a Louisville garbage truck, two city employees have been fired.

A Metro Public Works crew picked up 35-year-old Tyrah Adams with a hydraulic claw while cleaning a vacant lot near the intersection of Cedar Street and 26th Street in February.

A Public Works supervisor and an employee inside the truck were fired Thursday for violating multiple city policies during the incident.

Both employees were fired for violating Metro Government’s ethics procedures, including treating the public with “respect and courtesy” and following department rules.

Another employee inside the truck was not disciplined since they retired several months ago, according to officials.

According to the Jefferson County Attorney’s office, no charges would be filed against any of the employees because, “there is not a reasonable likelihood of a conviction.”

In a statement Friday, Mayor Craig Greenberg said Adams’ death was “a tragic accident” but said the investigation found the employees did not call 911 or check on her.

Metro Public Works Director Wes Sydnor said throughout the investigation, all three employees involved were place on unpaid leave.

Sydnor said a review will include recommendations for further improvements needed to “address potential gaps” in Public Works’ policies and procedures.

Video from inside the garbage truck showed the crew’s delayed response, including moments where employees laughed as Adams stumbled away from the alley.

She later collapsed inside a nearby convenience store while seeking help.

Nearly 30 minutes after Adams was injured, surveillance video showed the Metro Public Works supervisor arriving on scene and approaching the store before turning around.

He later told police that he turned around because he didn’t think there was an emergency because the ambulance didn’t have its emergency lights on.

Adams later died in the hospital from multiple severe injuries sustained in the incident.

Her family has since filed a lawsuit against the city and planned to amend their complaint to include the supervisor and a Public Works manager.
Source: WHAS11