Kansas City, MO (64108) – Deadly Collapse Lawsuit: Family Dollar Customer Crushed by Failing Roof — LIVE UPDATES

Kansas City, MO (64108) – A catastrophic roof collapse at a Kansas City Family Dollar store has led to a lawsuit and intensified scrutiny over ignored safety warnings. On July 27, 2025, at approximately 2:45 p.m., part of the front facade and roof of the Family Dollar on Broadway Boulevard (3700 block) suddenly gave way. The collapse killed a 68-year-old man walking by and critically injured a 50‑year‑old woman, who is now suing store operators and building owners for negligence.

Key Facts

• BREAKING: Woman files suit after being crushed by collapsing roof at Family Dollar.

• IMPACT: One fatality, one woman severely injured, two others hurt.

• OFFICIAL SOURCE: “Arm invalid support pillar never repaired since 2016 crash.” — lawsuit.

• ACTION: Anyone with info about prior warnings urged to come forward to investigators.

Hyperlocal Impact

1. Precise Location:
   Kansas City, MO (64108) – the store at Broadway & W. 37th Street.

2. Community Connection:

   “This could’ve been prevented.”
   – Victor Scott, neighbor and frequent shopper.

3. Visual Proof:
   EMBED: Photo of sagging facade captured hours before collapse.
   Caption: Credit: @KMBC9 Investigates – Taken early morning July 27.

Exclusive Angle

• WHY THIS MATTERS NOW:
  Community warnings, building complaints, and an ignored 2016 pillar collapse illustrate systemic failure in property oversight—a warning for all aging retail structures.

Authorities say the store had suffered structural damage since a 2016 car crash that knocked out a support pillar—never repaired. Resident warnings and a 311 complaint filed on July 25 detailed visible tilting in the facade. A city inspector’s report confirmed the building’s danger, predicting further collapse risk from wind or rain.

The lawsuit, filed by Tammy Martin on Aug. 1, names the property owner Arthur Fels Company, Family Dollar Stores of Missouri, LLC, and Family Dollar, Inc., citing negligence in maintenance and failure to warn customers. Martin sustained catastrophic injuries across her body—head, spine, neck—with long-term disabilities and mounting medical bills. Her attorneys accuse defendants of ignoring repeated warnings and prioritizing profits over public safety.

City buildings officials have declared the structure unsafe. While Kansas City Fire Department and Police maintain first responders followed protocol, some bystanders reported delayed assistance to the man who died. OSHA has opened an investigation. Meanwhile, local leaders, including Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks‑Shaw, are pressing for policy changes in dangerous building enforcement.

Update Log

• July 25: 311 complaint filed; facade noted as “tilting.”

• July 27, ~2:45 p.m.: Partial roof collapse kills one, injures several.

• Aug 1: Injury lawsuit filed; investigations by OSHA and city continue.