The family of a South Carolina woman who tragically lost her life after being struck by a decaying utility pole will receive $30 million following a wrongful death settlement announced on Thursday. Dominion Energy and Comporium, the two companies involved in the incident, agreed to the settlement to resolve the lawsuit brought by the family of Jeunelle Robinson. The accident occurred in downtown Wagner when a 70-year-old pole collapsed, hitting Robinson as she was on her lunch break from her job as a social studies teacher at Wagener-Salley High School. Despite efforts to avoid the falling pole, Robinson succumbed to her injuries shortly after.

Details of the settlement were not disclosed, including the specific amounts each company is responsible for paying. The age of the poles involved in the incident was estimated to be at least 70 years old, with the last markings made on them over 60 years ago. The mayor of Wagner recalled childhood markings on the poles, indicating their age and lack of recent inspection or maintenance.

Following Robinson’s tragic death, Dominion had announced plans to replace aging equipment in the region. Attorney Justin Bamberg, representing Robinson’s family, expressed hope that the settlement would prompt utility companies to prioritize the inspection and replacement of outdated and potentially hazardous infrastructure, particularly in smaller communities.

Spokespeople for Dominion and Comporium shared statements regarding the resolution of the case, offering condolences to Robinson’s family. In memory of Jeunelle Robinson, her family intends to establish the “Jeunelle Robinson Teacher’s Hope Fund” aimed at providing school supplies and support to educators nationwide. The fund is a tribute to Robinson’s dedication to her students and her commitment to her teaching career, working her way up from a substitute to a beloved high school teacher.

“Jeunelle loved her students and her classroom,” said Donovan Julian, Robinson’s father, emphasizing her passion for teaching and the positive impact she had on those around her. The tragic event serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining safe and updated infrastructure to prevent similar incidents in the future.