The family of Kevin Lancaster, a Heyworth man killed while working at a Rivian Logistics Center in Normal Township, is suing the electric automaker for negligence.
The alleged incident happened March 5, 2026, at the logistics center, located near the intersection of Kerrick Road and U.S. Rt. 51. This is a separate location from the Rivian production plant, which is on the west edge of Normal. WGLT has previously reported employee concerns about safety at the plant.
The lawsuit filed in McLean County outlines that Lancaster, 61, was taking a break and standing "adjacent to the exit and next to a loading dock door" when he "became pinned when a tractor transport and trailer […] was backing into the dock."
First responders confirmed Lancaster was pinned for approximately 20 minutes before an ambulance transported him to Carle Bromenn Medical Center, where he later died.
Lancaster's family has named five legal entities related to a company called G&D Integrated, which transports goods to and from warehouse and loading docks. Additionally, the family has named three Rivian legal entities and an individual involved in the incident.
According to the civil complaint, Lancaster was a loading dock employee working for a party not named in the lawsuit. The complaint states Rivian leases the facility and uses it as an "inbound logistics hub and receiving center," noting "an average of over 100 semi-trailers" move through the grounds every day.
The Lancaster family alleges Rivian "designated two areas outside the Rivian Logistics Center that were adjacent to the loading docks, for workers to use as breaks," and then failed to put proper safety controls in place in those areas.
Alleged violations and omissions include that Rivian failed to:
- Designate a spotter/signal person to guide trailers into loading docks
- Establish or enforce a clear-zone policy
- Provide backup alarms, mirrors, cameras, or other visibility aids
- Communicate between dock personnel and the truck driver
- Provide a safe area for outdoor breaks
- Implement a written loading dock safety program for backing procedures
Lancaster's family is seeking a judgement to be issued against Rivian for "wrongful death and survival damages," as well as damages.
A case management hearing is scheduled for Feb. 26, 2027, in Judge Rebecca Foley's courtroom at the McLean County Law and Justice Center.
The Lancasters' attorney and Rivian did not immediately respond to WGLT's request for comment.
