A Kentucky woman has died following a devastating accident involving the grappler claw of a garbage truck.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Tyrah Adams, 35, was reportedly picked up by a hydraulic claw shortly after 9 a.m. on February 12. While sanitation workers were clearing an alley in Louisville.
She later died from her injuries.
Kentucky Freak Accident Leaves Woman Dead After Garbage Truck Incident
According to officials, Adams was unintentionally lifted along with debris as workers operated the truck's grappler claw.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said Adams had moved away from the area where the trash had been placed before collapsing.
Emergency responders were initially called to the scene for what was believed to be a medical issue. It was later determined that her condition was linked to injuries sustained during the incident.
"She ultimately died and that is certainly a tragic loss. It appears to be a tragic accident to lose someone in our city in this way," Greenberg said.
The mayor added that there is currently no evidence of wrongdoing, though an investigation remains ongoing.
This investigation is led by the Louisville Metro Police Department's Public Integrity Unit.
The two employees involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues.
Family Seeks Answers Following Tragic Death
Adams' sister, Sandra Akers, said her sister had been unhoused and was struggling with substance abuse at the time of the incident.
"She was only 35," Akers told Louisville Public Media. "This happening has taken that chance from her to be able to rebuild her life."
"I definitely think there is wrong in what has happened, you know, wrong is wrong," she added. "I want some answers and I want the city to be more aware of what they're doing and who they're around."
On April 8, the Jefferson County Coroner confirmed that Adams died from "blunt force and compressional trauma."
Akers has since joined family attorney Stephanie Rivers, with plans to pursue legal action against the Metro Government.
According to WAVE, video footage captured the aftermath of the incident, showing the operator stepping away from the vehicle to assess the debris before returning to the controls.
Adams was later seen getting up from the alley and walking to a nearby store, where she collapsed in the doorway.
She was transported to hospital but was later pronounced dead.
