SPOKANE, Wash. — The families of two men killed by a falling tree on Highway 2 are suing Spokane International Airport for wrongful deaths.
On December 18, 2024, 56-year-old Eric Saint and 30-year-old Elisha Brian were driving on Highway 2 east of Airway Heights when a tree fell and crashed into their box truck. Both Saint and Brian were killed.
At the time, the tree was determined to be on Spokane International Airport property. Spokane police said the tree was dislodged by strong winds which caused the crash.
According to the lawsuit, it’s alleged the airport knew about the dead tree and it should have taken reasonable care to be aware of the danger the tree posed to drivers on Highway 2. The airport is accused of not taking care of the tree prior to it killing Saint and Brian.
Attorneys for the estates of Saint and Brian issued a statement: The loss of Mr. Saint and Mr. Brian is devastating. They left behind wives, children, grandkids, and countless others in their grieving community. These two good men were taken far too early. The Airport knew the tree was dead and had been dead for years. The Airport knew it could fall and hurt someone on the highway. It could have hurt a member of my family or yours. The Airport did not cut down the tree. They did not act. They did not make the situation safe. We will hold them accountable and find justice for our clients.
4 News Now reached out to the Spokane Airport for comment, and it said they have not received the complaint and have no comment at this time.
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