BAMBERG, S.C. — The family of a South Carolina schoolteacher killed by a falling pole is now suing over her death.
Attorney Justin Bamberg and the family of Jeunelle Robinson announced Monday they have filed a lawsuit over the death that happened on August 23, 2023.
The 31-year-old was a teacher in the town of Wagener in Aiken County. On the day of her death, she was on her lunch break and walking near a street in town. The suit states a truck passing by snagged a set of electrical wires, which pulled down several poles and triggered a chain reaction that caused the poles to fly out of control.
The family’s attorney played for reporters Monday a surveillance video which showed Robinson walking outside, presumably toward her car, when she was struck by the pole. Moments later, she was dead.
The lawsuit claims the poles that came down were decades old, in poor repair, had low hanging wires, and were leaning. Their condition, the family said, led to the tragedy that took their daughter’s life, with the family saying those poles should have been replaced long before their daughter died.
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Robinson's father, Donovan Julian, said someone needs to be held responsible.
“It’s upsetting and disappointing that the individuals don’t see the physical responsibility, the concern on any level to the people of Wagener, the children of Wagener," said Julian. "The basic responsibilities we try to teach out kids about making mistakes and owning up to them.”
But it’s not clear who might have owned those poles. The lawsuit names Comporium, a utility company based in Rock Hill, as well as Dominion Energy as defendants. News19 reached out to Dominion, which said they don’t own the pole that struck Robinson and said they offered their condolences to the family.
As for Comporium, News19 reached out to them as well Monday but has not heard a response yet.
The family is requesting $100 million in compensation, $20 million to invest in rural infrastructure, and $10 million to establish a scholarship trust in Robinson’s name.