Family sues Google after Maps allegedly led father’s car off a bridge.

Tragic Occurrence: Family Files Negligence Claim Following Google Maps Error

The family of a man from North Carolina who drowned after Google Maps reportedly told him to drive his car off a collapsed bridge has filed a negligence claim against the internet giant.

Fatal Journey on September 30, 2022

On September 30, 2022, Philip Paxson, 47, returned from his daughter’s ninth birthday celebration when he crashed his car off a collapsed bridge in Hickory, North Carolina. According to reports, the bridge washed away in 2013, but there was no barricade or signage warning motorists of its deteriorating condition.
On September 30, 2022, Philip Paxson, 47, returned from his daughter’s ninth birthday celebration when he crashed his car off a collapsed bridge in Hickory, North Carolina. According to reports, the bridge washed away in 2013, but there was no barricade or signage warning motorists of its deteriorating condition.
On Tuesday, Paxson’s family filed a lawsuit against Google for negligence, claiming the search engine giant had neglected to update its maps. As part of the complaint, three local private property management firms are also being sued because they owe a duty of care to preserve the bridge. A Google spokesman stated that the company is presently investigating the claims. The Google representative expressed “the deepest sympathies for the Paxson family.
Paxson’s mother-in-law said in a Facebook post at his passing that the father of two had arrived at the broken bridge on a “dark and rainy night” due to inaccurate GPS coordinates.
Linda McPhee Koenig said, “He was following his GPS, which led him down a concrete road to a bridge that dropped off into a river.” Nine years ago, the bridge was destroyed and never reconstructed. His family has referred to the event as an “avoidable tragedy.
The following day, Paxson’s 2020 Jeep Gladiator was discovered upside-down behind the collapsed bridge and partially immersed in the water. According to Paxson’s wife, she and their two girls left the birthday party earlier, but Paxson remained to assist with the cleanup. He reportedly didn’t know the area well when driving.

Tragic Discovery and Unfamiliar Terrain: The Aftermath of Philip Paxson's Fatal Drive

According to the latest lawsuit, Paxson drove down an unsecured ledge and collided with the ground some 20 feet (about six meters) below.

Through their attorneys, the family claimed that numerous locals in the Hickory region had repeatedly asked Google to update its maps to reflect the demolished bridge. According to the case’s email correspondence, Google acknowledged receiving information from a resident that Maps was sending users to the dangerous bridge.
As an adult, I still don’t understand how those in charge of the GPS directions and the bridge could have acted with such little regard for human life, so when our girls ask how and why their dad died, I’m at a loss for words that they can understand, Paxson’s wife Alicia told The Associated Press.

Accountability and Support: Questions Arise About Bridge Maintenance and Community Response

Who is in charge of maintaining the road with the washed-away bridge must be clarified. According to the North Carolina State Patrol, the bridge was controlled by local authorities at the time of Paxson’s passing. The company that built the road went out of business a while back.

After Paxson passed away, a GoFundMe page was created to assist the family in covering the unforeseen funeral expenses. As of this writing, close to $45,000 in donations have been made.
Paxson’s family stated in a Wednesday update posted to the GoFundMe website that they still suffer the “horrific tragedy.”

We will keep fighting to hold those accountable for Phil’s death and ensure no future senseless loss of life. “No outcome can ever bring Phil back or begin to fill the hole that he left in so many hearts,” the statement reads.