Family Plans Lawsuit After Louisville Woman Killed by Garbage Truck Claw

Louisville (WAVE/Gray News) — The family of a Kentucky woman who died after being crushed by a garbage truck’s grappler claw says they plan to file a lawsuit against Metro Government in the coming weeks.

Tyrah Adams, 35, died on February 12 while a waste crew was clearing an alley. Adams, who was experiencing homelessness and was known to be in the area, was picked up by the truck’s grappler claw and fatally injured.

For weeks, the city described the incident as Adams having “come into contact” with the truck. However, the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office later confirmed she died from blunt force and compressional trauma.

The family’s attorney, Stephanie Rivas, disputes the city’s earlier description.

“She didn’t walk into this truck. They physically picked her up with that claw, squeezed her, compressed her, and dropped her. And left her there to find her own help,” Rivas said.

A police report released last month included witness statements indicating the grappler operator exited the truck, looked at the debris pile, and then returned to the vehicle.

According to those statements, Adams was able to get up and walk to a nearby store, where she collapsed in the doorway while bleeding and unable to speak. Police records indicate neither worker called 911; instead, a store clerk and a customer contacted emergency services.

“Knowing that they didn’t help her at all — that’s where most of my anger comes from. Knowing what he had did and what he saw, he didn’t even have the decency to just help,” said Adams’ sister, Sandra Akers.

Rivas said the planned lawsuit is about more than financial compensation, noting the family is still seeking access to additional information, including video evidence.

“We’ve been given bits and pieces of information. There’s a lot more to see — the videos that they’ve obtained. We don’t have access to those,” Rivas said.

Louisville Public Works said it cannot comment further while the investigation remains ongoing. The two employees involved have been placed on administrative leave.

“Being able to finally feel like her soul is at rest. That’s what I mostly look forward to — for all of our family to be able to breathe,” Akers said.

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