JACKSON — The Mississippi Supreme Court has affirmed a lower court ruling that shields the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) from liability in the death of a school resource officer, citing sovereign immunity under state law.

Johnny Patterson was killed in January 2022 while directing traffic near a school zone on Highway 45 in Lee County. His sons, Cody and Corey Patterson, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against MDOT, alleging the agency failed to maintain flashing warning lights on a school zone sign, contributing to the fatal accident.

MDOT sought immunity under the Mississippi Tort Claims Act, arguing that Patterson was a government employee whose injuries were covered by workers’ compensation through his employer, the Lee County School District. The trial court granted

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