The family of Grammy-nominated R&B legend Angie Stone is pursuing justice following her tragic death in a devastating crash earlier this year.
According to a wrongful death lawsuit filed in Gwinnett County, Stone was traveling with bandmates and loved ones on March 1 in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van, returning to Atlanta after a performance in Mobile, Alabama.
The suit claims the van’s driver lost control on I-65 in Montgomery County, causing the vehicle to overturn and land in the left lane. While passengers initially survived and began escaping, tragedy struck minutes later when a CRST tractor-trailer allegedly barreled into the van at nearly 70 mph without braking.
Stone, 62, was ejected and fatally pinned beneath the wreckage. Fellow passenger Sheila Hopkins sustained severe injuries.
The family’s attorneys argue the crash was preventable, citing multiple layers of negligence:
- A defective braking system in the truck, manufactured by Daimler Truck and Detroit Diesel
- A truck driver allegedly distracted by headphones and violating federal safety regulations
- Negligence by the Sprinter van driver for losing control
- The van’s owner allegedly hiring and training an uninsured driver
The lawsuit seeks wrongful death and injury damages, punitive damages, as well as attorneys’ fees and costs.
Stone’s funeral was held March 14 at World of Faith Cathedral in Austell, Georgia, where stars including Tyler Perry, Kirk Franklin, Anthony Hamilton, Keke Wyatt, Tamela Mann, and Musiq Soulchild honored her life and career.
Her passing left a profound void in the music world, but her family says they are committed to holding all parties accountable for the circumstances surrounding her death.
