Family of Akron man killed on I-76 files wrongful death lawsuit against FedEx

Bryce Buyakie, Akron Beacon Journal
Updated ·2 min read

The family of a 50-year-old Akron man who died two years ago when he was struck by a FedEx truck on I-76 is suing the shipping company.

Yusuf Evans' family accused FedEx of negligent hiring and supervision of a driver in the wrongful death lawsuit filed on March 14 in the federal court of northern Ohio.

"Safety is our top priority, and our thoughts remain with the family of Mr. Evans," wrote a FedEx spokesperson. "While we have just become aware of this filing, we have not yet been served or had an opportunity to review the claims."

FedEx truck strikes two fleeing vehicle fire

The crash occurred on March 18, 2022, at about 2:30 a.m. after Evans' vehicle caught fire on the right shoulder of I-76 West in Portage County, according to the complaint. With the vehicle engulfed in flames, Evans and his passengers crossed the interstate and stood on the left shoulder for safety.

Driving westbound in the FedEx truck, Robin Adamson noticed the fire and switched lanes, moving toward the left shoulder. That's when the truck struck Evans and a 29-year-old of Barberton, the Record-Courier reported in 2022.

Evans was pronounced dead at the scene. The 29-year-old was taken to University Hospitals with life-threatening injuries but survived.

Driver not being sued

Despite being named in the lawsuit, Adamson is not a defendant and was not cited by Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers investigating the crash.

FedEx accused of negligent hiring, supervision

The lawsuit accuses FedEx of hiring Adamson despite knowing she had a history of driving violations and speeding.

FedEx, according to the lawsuit, knew that the driver had driven more hours than allowed by federal regulations; this fatigue impaired her judgment, leading to the crash.

Evans' seven children seek damages of more than $75,000. The case is in U.S. District Judge Solomon Oliver's court.

Bryce Buyakie covers courts and public safety for the Beacon Journal. He can be reached by email at bbuyakie@gannett.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @bryce_buyakie.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Family of Akron man killed by truck on I-76 in 2022 sues FedEx