FATAL ACCIDENT ENDS LIFE OF RICHARD CATHEY JR. OF SENATOBIA

ST. PAUL, Iowa — Richard Cathey Jr. was killed early Thursday morning after his semi-truck slammed through a southeast-Iowa store.

The crash happened around 4 a.m. at the Tri-State Stove off Main Street in St. Paul. After running a stop sign on Locust Street, Mr. Cathey reportedly left the road and crashed through the building.

Cathey’s passenger, Alexander Levell, was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Commentary on the fatal semi-truck accident in St. Paul, Iowa

It is challenging to hold judgment in this case. From the alleged facts, one may be quick to assume that Mr. Cathey was responsible for this accident when he failed to navigate his vehicle safely. However, in my thirty-year career, I have learned to hold judgment until after a detailed investigation has been conducted.

A few years back, a series of cases were brought against a Japanese manufacturer alleging product defects. The plaintiffs claimed their vehicles had been experiencing unintended acceleration. Many of these cases resulted in catastrophic injuries and even death. As the cases proceeded through the litigation process, it was discovered the vehicles had a systematic defect that was causing uncontrollable acceleration. The vehicles were recalled, and countless lives were spared.

I am not suggesting this accident was caused by unintended acceleration. However, when death seals the lips of the driver, the family of the deceased deserves to know the events leading up to their loved one’s death. A detailed investigation will provide the facts underlying this accident.

I extend my condolences to the family of the deceased.

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