Ohio man sues Marathon for brother's death on towboat

WAYNE -- An Ohio man is suing Marathon Petroleum Co. for the death of his brother.

Marathon Oil Company, M/V Tri-State, and an unknown individual and corporation were also named defendants in the suit.

Gary C. Adams was an employee of the defendants as a crew member on the towboat M/V Tri-State and on Jan. 19, he was knocked off the towboat and drowned in the Ohio River, according to a complaint filed March 26 in Wayne Circuit Court.

His brother, Jonathan Adams, claims his brother's injuries and death were caused by the negligence of the defendants and the "unseaworthiness of the vessel, M/V Tri-State, its equipment and appurtenances."

Jonathan Adams claims the defendants failed to provide proper equipment and a reasonably safe work place; provide Gary Adams with adequate assistance in the performance of his duties; supervise the work being performed by Gary Adams; provide a seaworthy vessel; properly train and equip Gary Adams; properly train the pilot and captain of the M/V Tri-State; comply with normal operating rules and procedures; and negligently operated the towboat.

Jonathan Adams is seeking compensatory damages for his brother's death. He is being represented by Paul E. Biser and R.R. Fredeking II.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Darrell Pratt.

Wayne Circuit Court case number: 10-C-62