911 calls and city records outline Louisville alley cleanup accident that killed Tyrah Adams on Cedar Street

What newly released 911 audio adds to the timeline

Newly released 911 calls have provided additional detail about the immediate aftermath of a fatal accident involving a Louisville Metro Solid Waste operation. The woman who died, 35-year-old Tyrah Adams, was injured during a routine alley cleanup on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, near Cedar Street and 26th Street in Louisville.

In the audio, at least one caller urgently asks for emergency help after realizing a person had been picked up along with debris during the cleanup. City officials have described the death as a tragic accident, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Where and how the cleanup was being carried out

Louisville Metro officials have said the work was part of routine alley maintenance rather than a targeted response to complaints about a homeless encampment. Public Works has described the area as a recurring site for illegal dumping, with trash and debris that, in this case, concealed Adams from crews operating city equipment.

Officials have stated that the Solid Waste team was using a dump truck and a knuckle-boom piece of equipment to remove debris. The city has also said that similar alley cleanups occur frequently across Louisville.

What the city has said about responsibility and employee status

The mayor’s office has stated there is no evidence at this stage that Metro Public Works employees acted wrongfully. At the same time, the city has acknowledged that a city vehicle was involved, triggering a formal review process.

Pending the outcome, the employees involved have been placed on administrative leave.

Investigation and parallel inquiries

The Louisville Metro Police Department’s Public Integrity Unit is leading the investigation because the incident involved city personnel and equipment. The inquiry is expected to examine operational decisions, equipment use, and whether safety procedures were followed during debris collection in an alley environment where visibility can be limited.

In parallel, an attorney representing Adams’ family has publicly raised concerns about the city’s actions while also stating the facts are still being developed.

Community response and broader context

Adams was described by city officials and people familiar with the area as unhoused and frequently present nearby, sometimes sleeping in a large cardboard box close to where trash accumulated. In the days following the incident, community advocates organized a rally seeking accountability and highlighting risks faced by residents without stable housing, particularly in spaces where refuse, exposure, and limited visibility intersect.

• Date of incident: Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026

• Location: near Cedar Street and 26th Street, Louisville

• Investigating unit: LMPD Public Integrity Unit

The investigation is ongoing, and officials have not announced final findings or any disciplinary decisions.