Parents blame barge company for son's drowning death near Alton Lock and Dam

The parents of a recently deceased man are seeking more than $50,000 after they say their son drowned while working on a boat.

Raymond J. and Donna A. McMenamy filed a lawsuit April 30 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Steel City Marine Transport.

In their complaint, the McMenamys allege their son, Dennis McMenamy was operating a fishing vessel Aug. 10, about two miles south of the Alton Lock and Dam in Madison County when a barge tow operated by Steel City Marine Transport collided with it.

Because of the collision, Dennis McMenamy was thrown from his boat and drowned, according to the complaint.

Due to their son’s death, the McMenamys incurred medical, funeral and burial costs and lost their son’s care, comfort, counsel, training, society, protection, attention, companionship, guidance, love and education, the suit states.

The McMenamys are seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, plus pre- and post-judgment interest, costs, attorney’s fees and other relief the court deems just. They are being represented by Gerard B. Schneller of Holland, Groves, Schneller and Stolze in St. Louis.

Madison County Circuit Court case number 14-L-647.