Logging Truck Driver on Meth: Twice

Ryan Nute

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Scientists Tony Gamar and Daniel Johnson were killed in an accident involving trucker Garland Massingham. His employer, J.B. Leonard Trucking, hired him in 2004 despite a prior conviction for methamphetamine and allowed him to continue driving after the fatal crash.

Last month, the State Patrol reported that Massingham had again tested positive for methamphetamine after an incident where he dumped a load of logs on a roadway. He was fired by J.B. Leonard Trucking after the second positive test. A State Patrol audit found three of its drivers have been fired since July for alleged drug use.

Employers may be vicariously liable for their employees' negligence. They may also be directly liable for negligently hiring or retaining an unfit employee.

Read more: Chris Ingalls, King 5 News