It began as a personal quest for justice, driven by tragedy and fueled by determination. Sophie Rollet, a former childcare worker from France, embarked on a decade-long investigation to hold US auto equipment group Goodyear accountable for the death of her husband, Jean-Paul. Her relentless pursuit finally bore fruit as authorities carried out raids on Goodyear sites in Europe, including its Brussels headquarters, as part of a probe into involuntary manslaughter.
In her stone house in Geney, Rollet sat day after day in front of her computer, meticulously tracking clues, data, and articles related to road accidents linked to explosions of a specific model of Goodyear tires. Her husband, Jean-Paul, lost his life in a collision on the highway in eastern France, caused by a burst tire from Goodyear Marathon LHS II model. This tragic event sparked Rollet’s unwavering determination to uncover the truth.
Despite facing numerous obstacles and setbacks, including the initial closure of her husband’s case, Rollet pressed on. In 2016, she filed a complaint for involuntary manslaughter and shared her personal findings with prosecutors in Besancon. An expert analysis of the tire confirmed a manufacturing defect as the root cause of the accident, validating Rollet’s persistent efforts.
Besancon prosecutor Etienne Manteaux likened Rollet to Erin Brockovich, praising her courage and tenacity in driving the investigation forward. Following media coverage and a documentary highlighting her legal battle, additional cases of similar accidents were added to the probe. A whistleblower came forward with internal documents suggesting that Goodyear was aware of defects in certain tire models, leading to further investigations.
After years of tireless pursuit, authorities searched Goodyear’s European offices and factories, signaling a significant step towards justice. Despite feeling a sense of achievement and relief, Rollet acknowledged the limitations of the legal system in fully addressing the impact of such tragedies. As she transitions to a new chapter in her life, training to become an accountant, Rollet remains committed to raising awareness about road safety.
Sophie Rollet’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of one individual’s unwavering dedication to seek justice. Her decade-long battle against a corporate giant serves as an inspiration to all who strive to hold accountable those responsible for negligence and wrongdoing. As she reflects on her journey, Rollet’s words echo a sense of closure and a reminder of the importance of fighting for what is right, even in the face of adversity.