The family of Johnny Peterson, an employee who died in Hurricane Helene's flooding, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Impact Plastics, claiming the company forced workers to remain at the factory despite worsening conditions. Peterson was among 11 employees swept away on September 27, with only five rescued and two confirmed dead; four others remain missing. The lawsuit alleges that Impact Plastics, under CEO Gerald O'Connor, lacked an emergency evacuation plan and ignored employee requests to leave the factory as floodwaters rose. It also contends that the company prioritized production over safety, remaining open while local businesses closed due to the storm. Surviving employees reported that they were only allowed to leave after the flooding had already begun, raising questions about the company's accountability. State authorities are investigating the incident in light of the complaints made against Impact Plastics.