Vernon Hunter's Family Wants Autopsy Details Kept Private

Vernon Hunter was the only person working at the Echelon Building who was killed when Joseph Stack flew his Piper PA-28 into the side of the building. Now his family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit, along with a Temporary Restraining Order that would keep his autopsy results private.

"The family wanted the autopsy report on Mr. Hunter to remain private," said Daniel Ross, the attorney representing Hunter's family.

Austin television station KVUE reports that Ross said the family did not want "graphic details" of Hunter's death released. He said they were concerned about Hunter's eight grandchildren reading those details in media reports.

The wrongful death suit exists principally to serve as a vehicle for the TRO, which was filed against the estate of Joe Stack. Attorney Ross said the suit names Sheryl Stack, Joe Stack's wife, because she is administrator of the estate.  "My client of course has stated that her heart goes out to Mrs. Stack and she considers Mrs. Stack as much a victim in this as anyone else," Ross said.

Ross said while money is not the motivating factor for the suit, it is "his job" to determine if there is anything there. He said the main concern is to stop release of the autopsy.

FMI: www.courts.state.tx.us/