The family of a Georgia woman who died after falling from a police car has filed a lawsuit alleging gross negligence in the 2022 incident, her attorneys announced Wednesday.

Brianna Grier, 28, was having a mental health episode and was being transported by a Hancock County sheriff’s deputy when she fell from the moving patrol car on July 15, authorities said.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation determined that the officer failed to close the rear passenger door before the car left the scene.

Brianna Grier.Courtesy Lottie Grier

Grier was in a coma after falling from the car and died on July 21, a week later.

Her family had called for help at her home in Sparta, about 60 miles west of Augusta, that night and ended up being arrested, handcuffed and placed in the back of a police car, according to her family and officials.

On the way to the sheriff’s office, Grier fell out of the passenger side door of the car. Body camera video released by authorities showed the reaction of a second officer, who asked the driver, «how is the back door open?»

No criminal charges filed.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation, or GBI, said in November that its investigation was closed and the district attorney for the Ocmulgee Circuit refused to bring it before a grand jury.

The lawsuit announced Wednesday alleges gross negligence, excessive force, wrongful death and other claims.

It names Hancock County Sheriff Tomlyn Primus, Lt. Marlin Primus, and Deputy Timothy Legette.

The suit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, but the civil suit does not specify an amount.

A request for comment from or on behalf of the sheriff’s office through Hancock County government Wednesday night was not immediately returned.

Grier’s family has said she was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was taking medication for the disorder. She was having a mental health episode and her mother called authorities for help at her home, her attorneys said. In the past, an ambulance has arrived, Crump said.

Grier’s mother, Mary Grier, said Wednesday that her daughter’s two children sometimes ask where their mother is. “I tell you the truth: she has gone home to be with God,” she said.

“They knew his condition, they knew. Because that was not the first time they had come there,” said Mary Grier. “I don’t think they did it well. I miss my daugther».