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Family of toddler swept away at Cummins Falls State Park files lawsuit

Posted at 11:03 AM, Oct 16, 2019
and last updated 2019-10-16 12:03:43-04

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The family of a 2-year-old who was washed away by floodwaters at a Tennessee state park has filed a lawsuit against the state.

Steven Pierce of Kentucky died after he and his father were swept away in a flash flood as they tried to evacuate from Cummins Falls State Park in June.

Read more: Body of 2-year-old Kentucky boy recovered at Cummins Falls

News outlets report the lawsuit filed this week argues a "series of human errors" contributed to his death.

It says greater safety measures should have been in place, or shouldn't have been open at all with rain in the forecast. And it accuses rangers of misdirecting Curtis Pierce by telling him to continue along a trail instead of finding higher ground. Curtis Pierce was able to be saved.

Tennessee's Environment and Conservation Department declined to comment.