Parents of Cummins Falls Drowning Victim Seeking Settlement

The parents of a child who drowned at Cummins Falls State Park last month are seeking a settlement with the State of Tennessee.

Curtis and Hannah Pierce, of Kentucky, are threatening to sue the Department of Environment and Conservation in the death of two-year-old Steven Pierce.

In a letter to the state, Attorney Christopher Smith states TDEC faces a “significant liability” as a result of the child’s death.

Smith goes on to write that state officials failed to follow through on installing a flood warning system after two people died at the park in 2017.

According to the letter, access to the gorge was open despite being closed the previous two days for high water.

The letter states the Pierces and their attorneys will pursue a lawsuit if a settlement isn’t reached.