© 2024 St. Louis Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Wrongful death suit filed in wake of Joplin disaster

Some of the aftermath following the devastating tornado in Joplin, Mo. in May 2011. The tornado killed 161 people and destroyed more than 7,000 residences.
(UPI/Rick Meyer)
Some of the aftermath following the devastating tornado in Joplin, Mo. in May 2011. The tornado killed 161 people and destroyed more than 7,000 residences.

The wife and daughter of man killed inside a Walmart store when a massive tornado hit Joplin are suing.

The Joplin Globe reported that the wrongful death lawsuit names Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and the store's manager as defendants. The case, initially filed in Jasper County Circuit Court, was transferred Friday to federal court.

The suit alleges that 62-year-old Stanley Kirk wasn't allowed to leave the store and was directed to an unsafe location. Court records say Kirk lived only three miles away in an area that was not hit by the May 2011 tornado. At least three died at the Walmart.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said in a statement that the company stands behind its employees and how they handled the disaster.

The suit seeks unspecified damages.

Follow St. Louis Public Radio on Twitter: @stlpublicradio