The family of the woman who died while Louisville crews cleaned an alley says they want answers and justice for their loved one.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The family of a woman who died during a routine alley cleanup by Louisville crews is demanding answers.
Sandra Akers is grieving the loss of her sister, Tyrah Adams, who died Thursday, Feb. 12, while Louisville Public Works employees were conducting an alley cleanup near Cedar and 26th streets.
“She’s the kind of person that would be in the middle of the dance floor, not ashamed of herself,” Akers said.
Adams was homeless, and people who knew her said she often slept inside a large cardboard box in an area surrounded by trash.
“I definitely want the community and everybody to know that she was loved, she had family, she was not completely alone,” Akers said.
Akers said her sister also battled addiction.
“You cannot make somebody do something, you can only be there and never lose hope and love them through their struggles,” Akers said.
According to the family’s attorney, Stephanie Rivas, witnesses said a garbage truck picked Adams up and later dropped her somewhere in the alley.
They said Adams managed to get up and walk into a nearby convenience store seeking help, where someone called 911.
“She had blood coming from her nose and mouth, she was unable to speak and disoriented, then that’s obviously when she collapsed and EMS transferred her to UofL,” Akers said.
Mayor Craig Greenberg said Tuesday that the crew did not see Adams.
“It appears to be a tragic accident to lose someone in our city in this way,” Greenberg said. “The investigation is still ongoing but at this time we have no evidence that there was any wrongdoing associated with this tragic loss of life in our city.”
Still, Akers said she has questions about what happened.
“Why didn’t you go over there and look? Wouldn’t you? And when you realized what happened, why didn’t you follow her into the store? Why didn’t you call?” Akers said.
The Louisville Metro Police Public Integrity Unit is leading the investigation because a city vehicle was involved. Officials have not yet released an autopsy or official medical report for Adams.
The Public Works employees involved have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure.
The family continues to seek clarity.
“I think that mostly everything is definitely questionable, I just want answers, I want to have justice for her,” Akers said.
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