Judge Lets River Crash Wrongful Death Suit Proceed
By The BriefBrief
Federal judge refuses to dismiss claims in lawsuit over Meigs County deputy’s fatal river crash and drowning of a handcuffed woman.
WHO:U.S. District Judge Clifton Corker; Meigs County; Deputy Robert J. Leonard’s estate; Tabatha Marie Smith’s children
WHAT:Judge declines to dismiss the estate of a Tennessee deputy from a wrongful death civil lawsuit; some county allegations dismissed.
WHEN:Jul 20, 2026 at 4:56 PM ET
WHERE:Meigs County, Tennessee
WHY:The lawsuit will move forward after the judge declined to dismiss the deputy’s estate from the wrongful death claims tied to the February 2024 river crash.
Reporting from 1 identified publisher for this event.
