Event Brief
Judge Lets River Crash Wrongful Death Suit Proceed
Filed: Jul 20, 2026 at 6:00 PM ET
Summary: 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.
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