Attorney: RPS failed to act

An attorney representing the family of a woman who died when her car fell from the River Park Square garage sharply criticized mall officials Wednesday for failing to take the advice of a 1993 engineering report.

In response to barriers cracking after being hit by cars, the report suggested conducting a more thorough look at the barriers or to add steel cable to the sides to prevent cars from hitting the concrete.

“Had the garage owners acted on the engineers’ recommendation within the last 13 years, Jo Ellen Savage would be alive today,” said attorney Robert Rembert in a written statement. “The garage owners’ continued refusal to take responsible action to protect users and the public from danger is beyond comprehension.”

Mall officials say they are conducting a comprehensive look at possible changes that could be made to improve garage safety.

Savage died April 8 after her car hit a barrier and fell from the fifth level of the garage.

River Park Square is owned by the Cowles Co., which also owns The Spokesman-Review.