Executive Summary
- Pending Settlement: A $750,000 agreement has been reached in the wrongful death suit regarding George Thacker.
- Case Background: The former Rhea County Executive died in 2022 while serving a sentence at a federal prison camp in South Carolina.
- Allocation of Funds: The deal includes roughly $580,000 for wrongful death and $169,500 for a survival action.
- Current Status: The settlement follows mediation and awaits final court approval.
A $750,000 settlement is currently pending in a federal wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of George Thacker, the former Rhea County Executive, against the United States government. The legal action stems from Thacker’s death in 2022 while he was in federal custody.
Thacker passed away while serving a 33-month sentence at a federal prison camp in South Carolina. According to details reported by the Chattanooga Times Free Press, the proposed settlement agreement allocates approximately $580,000 specifically to the wrongful death claim. An additional sum of roughly $169,500 is designated for a related survival action regarding the circumstances of his passing.
The agreement was reached following court-ordered mediation between the parties. The settlement is currently awaiting final judicial approval or resolution to officially close the case.
Judicial Resolution Overview
This pending settlement represents a significant procedural conclusion to the civil litigation surrounding the duty of care within federal correctional facilities. By reaching a financial agreement through mediation, both parties avoid the extended duration and uncertainty of a federal trial. The finalization of this agreement will legally resolve the claims of liability brought against the government by the Thacker estate.
