Civil Lawsuit Filed in St. Thomas After Fatal Postal Service Van Incident

A civil lawsuit has been initiated following the unfortunate demise of 57-year-old Louise Jackson in St. Thomas. The incident occurred in June 2022 when Jackson was fatally injured by a U.S. Postal Service van operated by Abigail Henry. As Jackson traversed Berne’s Alley, the van, reversing at the time, struck her, causing fatal injuries by rolling over her with its right rear wheel in both a backward and forward motion.

Subsequent to the accident, Henry was taken into custody and faced charges of negligent homicide related to Jackson’s death.

In the wake of the tragedy, Gabrielle Audain, acting as the administratrix of Jackson’s estate, filed a grievance for injury or death against the USPS via the National Tort Center. Following a six-month period without acknowledgment from the USPS, Audain sought legal recourse.

The lawsuit articulates that the 2017 Dodge Promaster van driven by Henry lacked a functioning reverse alarm system. This deficiency purportedly left Jackson, who was purported to have the right of way, oblivious to the imminent danger of the reversing van. The legal claim posits that the U.S. Postal Service, and consequently the United States government, should be held accountable for Henry’s alleged negligence that led to Jackson’s passing.

Audain’s legal action is pursuing a trial by jury with the hope of securing damages for wrongful death and personal injury on behalf of Jackson’s estate.

As of July 2023, Henry has declined a plea bargain, with a trial slated for the following month, heightening anticipation for a legal resolution to this tragic incident.