Attorney general sues after Missouri quarry drowning deaths

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley is suing the owners of an eastern Missouri quarry after two men died there this year.

Hawley on Monday announced the lawsuit against The Offsets in the Mine La Motte area north of Fredericktown. He's asking a judge to close the site until the owners address safety concerns.

A message left seeking comment from The Offsets was not immediately returned Monday.

Hawley's office said at least nine people have died at the swimming hole. Most recently, 21-year-old Safion Livingston of St. Louis drowned in the quarry July 13. Nineteen-year-old Cole Duffell of Chesterfield drowned July 4 after jumping into the quarry.

The lawsuit alleges the owners have not hired a lifeguard, put lifesaving equipment near the bluffs surrounding the quarry or posted appropriate warnings.