Kin of Man Killed in Louisville, KY, Plant Blast Begged Responders to Search
Lexington Herald-Leader
(TNS)
The family of a man killed last week in a Louisville plant explosion says they begged first responders to search in the rubble for the man, but they were turned away and assured that no one was in the collapsed building.
The man was found dead hours later in the rubble.
Kevens Dawson Jr., 49, was one of two people killed in the Nov. 12 explosion at Givaudan Sense Colour facility, 1901 Payne Street. The other victim, not yet identified, died at a hospital.
In a news conference Monday, Dawson’s family said they are seeking answers about the explosion. They are devastated by the loss of the man who loved his family — and frustrated after they say they received wrong information about his whereabouts.
In a statement released Nov. 14, the company said they were“profoundly saddened” by the death of the workers, and that they were complying with an investigation by local and federal authorities.
“Our primary focus is caring for our team members and the families of those we have lost and those who were injured,” the company’s release said. “We are in close contact with those impacted and are providing them with the necessary support and more information as it becomes available.”
Dawson’s partner, Malaika Watson, said at Monday’s news conference that Dawson was punctual, and she knew something was wrong when she didn’t hear from him on the day of the explosion.
Watson went to the scene around 4:30 p.m. — about 90 minutes after the explosion — and first responders said all of the injured employees had been taken to a hospital. But Watson went to three hospitals, and her partner was not there.
Police said last week the company, which produces coloring for food and drinks from natural sources, initially told first responders that all employees were accounted for.
Watson returned to the scene and begged investigators to go into the rubble and look for Dawson. She tried to go in to look for him herself, and at one point she sneaked between houses and ducked under yellow tape before being stopped. She asked first responders to pray with her, which they did.
About seven hours after Watson first showed up at the scene, searchers found Dawson dead in the rubble.
“He’s an Army man,” Watson said tearfully during Monday’s news conference. “He believes in no man left behind. Why would you leave him behind? You left him behind.”
Kevin Trager, the press secretary for Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said their thoughts are with Dawson’s loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
“Safety across our city, including workplace safety, is a priority for our administration,” Trager said in an emailed statement. “We will be closely monitoring developments as the investigation into this incident continues.”
Dawson was remembered as a father, son, Army veteran, and strong worker. Sunday would have been his 50th birthday.
His son, Kevens Dawson III, remembered his dad as an ethical man.
“We will rest once we get our answers of why and how,” the son said. “All my dad wanted to do was provide for his family and take care of his community.”
The family has hired renowned lawyers Ben Crump, Mark Lanier and Sam Taylor, and Louisville-based attorney Lonita Baker. Crump represented the family of Breonna Taylor, who was killed during a botched raid in 2020 by Louisville police. Taylor’s mother, Tamika Palmer, was at Monday’s news conference.
Crump noted that last week’s explosion was the third to happen at the plant since 2003.
“The devastating explosion at the Givaudan plant has upended and destroyed lives, leaving families grieving and survivors struggling to recover, Crump said. “Early reports suggest serious safety lapses and ignored warnings that endangered employees and the community. We will fight tirelessly to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable.”
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