The son of a Meigs County woman who died after a deputy’s cruiser crashed into the Tennessee River has filed a wrongful death lawsuit.

Authorities say Tabitha Smith was arrested by Deputy RJ Leonard on February 14, 2024, shortly before they were reported missing. While on the way to jail, Leonard drove off a boat ramp into the river.

The cruiser was pulled from the river the next day. Smith’s body was found still handcuffed in the backseat. Leonard was found in the river.

Leonard had recently graduated from the police academy. He started with the sheriff’s office just two months ago.

The lawsuit claims wrongful death, gross negligence, deprivation of liberty interest and bodily integrity, battery and assault, and loss of consortium.

It alleges that the county failed to properly train Leonard to adequately know his area of patrol. The lawsuit also states the county failed to train him to refrain from using his cell phone while transporting an arrestee. It also contends that the location where the car crashed into the water has a history of similar incidents.

The lawsuit requests a trial by jury and $10 million in damages.