A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against Sealy Mattress after the body of Joshua Armour, 27, was discovered inside a locked trailer at the company's facility in Conyers, Georgia. Armour, who was experiencing a mental health crisis, entered the property in October 2024.
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Relatives tracked Armour's phone to the site and reported his presence to a supervisor. However, employees locked the trailers 'out of concern for property safety' and barred the family from searching. Once locked, the trailers could not be opened from the inside. According to the lawsuit, 'Sealy did absolutely nothing to locate or protect Joshua,' prioritising its property over his safety.
The company expressed condolences, stating, 'Our deepest sympathies are with the victim's family and loved ones,' and confirmed it is cooperating with authorities. The family alleges that video footage of Armour on the property was withheld, raising concerns over transparency. Mark Johnson, a lawyer representing the family, criticised Sealy's response, stating that requests for video evidence have gone unanswered. The lawsuit, which includes Tempur Sealy International and its subsidiaries as defendants, seeks a jury trial.
Armour, described by his fiancée Jasmine Jennings as 'an amazing person, very selfless,' leaves behind two children. Jennings noted his aspirations of becoming a civil engineer or contributing to economic development. The case emerges amid legislative efforts in Georgia to limit civil lawsuits. Critics argue such measures could hinder justice for victims in cases like Armour's. However, Johnson expressed confidence that the lawsuit would stand up to any legal restrictions.
The incident highlights the balance between corporate policies and human safety, raising questions about liability and ethical responsibility in similar crises.
Source: www.apnews.com