Family of woman killed leaving church sues city

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- The family of Edna Grable, who was killed when she was struck by a car Oct. 23 in front of First General Baptist Church on North Main, has filed a wrongful death claim against the city of Poplar Bluff.

According to a notice attorney Mark Kennedy sent to the city on the Grable family's behalf, the city was negligent by failing to maintain a crossing warning light, place warnings signs and other safety measures at the Main Street crossing.

Grable was killed by a teenage hit-and-run driver, Misty Dawn Williamson, who later admitted she had been inattentive and did not see Grable crossing the street after church services. Charges were later filed against Williamson.

Poplar Bluff Mayor Scott Faughn said that while it is up to the court to decide whether or not the city was negligent, he is sympathetic to the Grable family in its loss and stands willing to work something out with them if possible.

City attorney Wally Duncan did not return calls for comment.