WASHINGTON — The family of a man found dead in a Metro station in 2013 is suing the transit agency for $25 million after they say the man’s body went unnoticed for several days.
On Oct. 19, 2013, Okiemute Whiteru — a 35-year-old Southeast D.C. resident — was riding the escalator at the Judiciary Square Metro station when he lost his balance and fell over the side. While he was attempting to collect himself, he fell backward again, tumbling another 8 feet, according to court documents.
Whiteru died as a result of his injuries and his body wasn’t found for more than four days, court documents say.
“Due to his fall and resulting injuries, [Whiteru] was incapacitated, and required prompt and timely emergency, medical, and/or other assistance,” says the lawsuit filed Monday in D.C. Superior Court.
Also, the lawsuit alleges that Metro employees knew of Whiteru’s fall — which was captured on surveillance cameras — and employees didn’t help him, leading to his “tragic, painful and untimely death.”
Writeru’s parents are suing Metro for negligence and wrongful death and want $25 million in damages.
A Metro spokeswoman declined to comment on the pending litigation.