EDWARDSVILLE - A mother claims a motorist hit her daughter as she walked on a poorly lit sidewalk in Alton, resulting in fatal injuries.
Christina Veasley, Natural Mother of the decedent, Keyani Thomas, filed the complaint in the Madison County Circuit Court against Ameren Illinois, Royce Richardson, the City of Alton, Illinois Department of Transportation, and John Doe.
According to the complaint, Thomas was walking near the intersection of Spaulding Street and Brown Street in Alton on Jan. 8, 2023. The suit states that the streetlights near the intersection were not in proper working order and failed to illuminate the road and sidewalk. The suit alleges Richardson struck Thomas with his vehicle in the low light conditions, resulting in her death.
Veasley alleges Richardson failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to operate his vehicle at a reasonable speed, failed to keep his vehicle under control, failed to yield the right of way, failed to avoid a collision, and operated his vehicle in a reckless manner.
Veasley claims that as a result, Thomas suffered severe pain, terror and injuries resulting in her death.
The plaintiff seeks an unspecified amount that is fair and reasonable to compensate for her damages, plus any further relief the court deems just. She is represented by Victor Smith of St. Louis.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 24-LA-45