Mississippi couple sues for $1.5 million for damages endured from horrific June 25 wreck

Benjamin Scott Brewer, 39, faces numerous charges after plowing into eight cars on northbound Interstate 75 on June 25. The wreck killed four adults and two children. One Mississippi couple involved in the crash filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday, saying they need $1.5 million to compensate for their pain and injuries.
Benjamin Scott Brewer, 39, faces numerous charges after plowing into eight cars on northbound Interstate 75 on June 25. The wreck killed four adults and two children. One Mississippi couple involved in the crash filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday, saying they need $1.5 million to compensate for their pain and injuries.

A Mississippi couple contends they were seriously injured during the June 25 wreck that killed six people in Chattanooga - and they want $1.5 million from the trucker who caused it, according to a federal lawsuit.

The lawsuit, filed Wednesday, says John and Nancy Stanley, of Simpson County, Miss., continue to suffer "severe and continuing injuries," medical costs and lost wages after a 26,000-pound tractor-trailer plowed into their 2007 Chevrolet minivan on northbound Interstate 75 in Ooltewah.

A total of 18 people were involved in the crash, which killed two children and four adults just north of Exit 11. The Stanleys' lawsuit is the third filed so far requesting compensatory damages.

Eight vehicles were stopped in the road on June 25 around 7 p.m. because of construction when a tractor-trailer coming from behind plowed into them, according to the lawsuit.

"As a result of the crash," the lawsuit states, "Plaintiffs John Stanley and Nancy Stanley have endured enormous physical and mental pain, suffering and distress."

Benjamin Scott Brewer, who was driving from Florida, was charged with six counts of vehicular manslaughter; four counts of reckless aggravated assault; one count of driving under the influence of narcotics; speeding and making false reports about his duty status. He was brought from Kentucky to the Hamilton County Jail this week.

Brewer, 39, was employed with Cool Runnings Express, a London, Ky., trucking company owned by Billy Sizemore, who could not be reached for comment Friday. The lawsuit also names Cool Runnings as a defendant.

The lawsuit asserts Brewer was guilty of recklessness and negligence because he was speeding, not exercising proper care and disregarding the safety of others. He will be arraigned in Hamilton County Criminal Court on Friday.

Contact staff writer Zack Peterson at 423-757-6347, zpeterson@timesfreepress.com or Follow @zackpeterson918.

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