‘We want answers’: Wrongful death suit filed for woman killed in Whitley County I-75 crash

WHITLEY COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56) — A Kentucky family is searching for answers after losing their daughter in a crash on I-75. Now they’re taking legal action, saying her death could have been avoided.

Addison Fowler was heading to Florida with her fiancé on December 10, 2024, traveling on I-75, when a FedEx truck allegedly came to a stop in the right lane.

“Despite the fact that the driver knew or should have known that he was having mechanical issues, he could have gotten off the exit immediately before,” said Tad Thomas, the attorney representing Fowler’s family. “It’s probably about 100 yards, if that.”

The suit, filed June 13, is against FedEx, ESP Express, Inc., and the truck’s driver, Alfred Qafa.

The truck experienced mechanical failure, causing the driver to decelerate for nearly a mile on the interstate, according to the suit. However, the truck remained in the right lane without activating hazard lights or using required warning devices.

Thomas said the decision not to pull off cost Addison her life.

“[Her fiancé] rear-ended the FedEx truck as it was stopped, and Addison was killed in the collision,” Thomas said.

The suit claims that both companies violated federal law by failing to keep the vehicle in a safe working condition.

“We want an answer as to what this driver was doing and what he was thinking,” added Thomas. “We know, for at least two minutes prior to him stopping on the expressway, that he was having mechanical issues and that he was traveling well below the speed limit, despite giving it 100% throttle on the truck.”

It also alleges “wanton and reckless disregard” for public safety.

“We know from downloading data on the tractor-trailer that this particular tractor-trailer had a history of mechanical and electrical issues that apparently were ignored and never repaired.”

The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages for emotional and physical suffering, as well as funeral expenses and punitive damages.

Our thoughts remain with Addison Fowler’s family and loved ones. Safety is our top priority, and we are committed to complying with all laws applicable to our operations.
FedEx

Thomas said his two goals in this case are to get answers for the family and to push for change within the trucking industry.