Trooper's widow sues Dot Foods, tractor trailer driver

The widow of an Illinois state trooper is seeking damages from the tractor trailer driver who she claims killed her 32-year-old husband while he was on duty.

Sarah Deatherage filed a lawsuit Jan. 9 in Madison County Circuit Court against Dot Foods and Johnny B. Felton.

In her complaint, Sarah Deatherage claims she and her two children have suffered grief, mental anguish and depression after their husband and father, Kyle Deatherage, was killed during a routine traffic stop on Interstate 55 near Litchfield on Nov. 26.

According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Kyle Deatherage died immediately when a tractor trailer driven by Felton struck him as he was standing near mile post 62. Kyle Deatherage left behind his wife and two children, four-year-old Kaylee and 10-month-old Camden, who have lost his love, companionship, society, support and consortium, according to the complaint.

In the lawsuit, Sarah Deatherage blames Dot for causing her husband’s death, saying the company negligently hired a truck driver who it knew to be a threat to the public. She also names Felton as a defendant, saying he operated the truck when he knew he was not medically fit to do so. Sarah Deatherage does not specify Felton’s health issues in her complaint.

Sarah Deatherage seeks a judgment of more than $225,000, plus costs.

Thomas Q.  Keefe Jr. of Keefe and Keefe in Belleville will be representing her.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 13-L-37.