Fort Mill Sees Legal Action Following Tragic Crossing Guard Incident
FORT MILL, S.C. — A tragic event involving a crossing guard has led to a lawsuit against the Fort Mill School District. This legal action comes just a few days after another crossing guard was hit by a car. The family of Stanley Brucker, a crossing guard who lost his life in March, filed the suit in York County’s civil court on October 18.
Who is Involved
Stanley Brucker, who was 61 years old at the time of the incident, is at the center of this lawsuit. The suit is aimed at the Fort Mill School District, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), and the driver involved in Brucker’s death.
What the Lawsuit Claims
The lawsuit claims that the school district had a contract with a company called Cross Safe to provide crossing guards at different schools. However, it alleges that the district was responsible for assigning where the guards would work and should have recognized that some locations were dangerous. According to the lawsuit, the district failed in its duty to ensure Brucker had a safe working environment at Fort Mill Elementary School.
Reasons for the Lawsuit
The family of Brucker argues that his death was a result of the district’s negligence. They seek damages and pre-judgment interest, requesting a jury trial to consider the case. The lawsuit also names the driver who struck Brucker, stating she was not driving safely at the time. However, it’s important to note that the driver has not been criminally charged, as both Fort Mill Police and the South Carolina Highway Patrol found no evidence of reckless or dangerous driving.
Responses and Community Impact
After Brucker’s tragic death, community sentiment ran high. Crossing guards in the district protested by refusing to show up for work for two days following the news that there would be no charges against the driver who killed him. This reaction highlights the anxiety and anger felt by those in similar roles, emphasizing the risks they face daily on the job.
Present Status of the Case
The legal proceedings are ongoing, with Brucker’s family advocating for accountability from the school district and requesting a thorough examination of safety measures for crossing guards. The case has drawn significant attention in the community, sparking discussions about crossing guard safety and the responsibilities of local school districts.
Next Steps
The family is seeking not only compensation but also measures that could prevent similar incidents in the future. They hope that this lawsuit will prompt the school district and SCDOT to reevaluate their policies regarding the safety of crossing guards and the locations where they are placed.
As the situation develops, local residents and advocates for safety will be watching closely, hoping for changes that protect those who serve as vital links between children and safe travel to school.
For updates on this case and other local news, the community is encouraged to stay informed through available news sources and platforms.
