The children of Grammy-nominated soul and R&B singer Angie Stone have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against a trucking company, alleging negligence in a crash that claimed the life of a close family member.
According to court filings, the suit was submitted in Gwinnett County, Georgia, earlier this week. It names Daimler Truck North America and its driver, Jared Wilkinson, as defendants, accusing them of reckless conduct that directly caused the fatal accident.
The family contends that the driver was operating the tractor-trailer negligently and that the company failed to fulfill its critical safety responsibilities, including proper vehicle maintenance and adequate employee training. Court documents also stated that Wilkinson never applied the brakes.
The lawsuit alleges that “at the time the CRST tractor-trailer slammed into the overturned Sprinter van,” Stone was still inside and attempting to escape from the van. “The force of the impact was extremely severe. As a result of the collision, Angie Stone was ejected from and pinned underneath the Sprinter van.”
Per the complaint, Stone “remained trapped underneath the van, where she consciously suffered until she ultimately succumbed to the fatal injuries she sustained in the collision and died.”
“This tragedy could have been prevented,” the Stone family’s attorney said in a statement. “By failing to follow basic safety protocols, the trucking company put lives at risk. Angie Stone’s children are pursuing this case to honor their loved one’s memory and to hold those responsible accountable.”
The lawsuit seeks both compensatory and punitive damages. While the specific amount has not been disclosed, the family emphasized that their primary goal is accountability and the prevention of future tragedies.
Angie Stone, best known for hits such as “No More Rain (In This Cloud)” and “Wish I Didn’t Miss You,” has not made a public statement about the case. Family representatives say she continues to grieve privately while supporting her children through the legal process.
The trucking company has not yet responded publicly to the lawsuit.
This case comes at a time when the trucking industry is facing growing scrutiny over safety concerns, including driver fatigue, equipment maintenance, and corporate responsibility in roadway accidents.
Stone died on March 1, a representative for the musician confirmed to PEOPLE. Stone’s daughter, Ladi Diamond, also confirmed her death in a Facebook post. “My mommy is gone,” she wrote at the time.
Days after her death, Stone’s family released a statement thanking fans for their support during the difficult time.
“Her daughter Diamond, and son Michael want to thank you all for reaching out to the family,” they wrote via Instagram. “They ask that you respect their privacy as they grieve the loss of their mother.”
