A devastating lawsuit has been filed, alleging that the negligent release of radiation by several corporations led to the wrongful death of a young woman. Julia Dunham, as Administrator of the Estate of Cheyenne Dunham, filed the complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio on November 24, 2025, against Centrus Energy Corp., United States Enrichment Corporation, Uranium Disposition Services, LLC., BWXT Conversion Services, LLC., Bechtel Jacobs Company, LLC., LATA/Parallax Portsmouth, LLC., and Fluor-BWXT Portsmouth, LLC.
The lawsuit tells a tragic story of Cheyenne Dunham’s life and untimely death at just 19 years old. Born on September 29, 1996, Cheyenne grew up near the Portsmouth Site (PORTS) in Pike County, Ohio—a location with a long history of uranium enrichment operations. The complaint details how Cheyenne was exposed to dangerous levels of radiation from an early age due to her proximity to PORTS and attendance at Zahn’s Corner Middle School. This exposure allegedly led to her developing severe health issues, including GATA Deficiency and ultimately Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Despite undergoing two bone marrow transplants in an attempt to save her life, Cheyenne succumbed to her illness on November 25, 2015.
Julia Dunham claims that the defendants failed to adhere to federal regulations regarding radiation dose limits as outlined in 10 C.F.R. § 20.1301. The lawsuit accuses them of negligence in their handling and containment of radioactive materials during various operations at PORTS. These include gaseous diffusion plant activities by Centrus Energy Corp. and United States Enrichment Corporation; depleted uranium hexafluoride conversion by Uranium Disposition Services and BWXT Conversion Services; and environmental remediation efforts by Bechtel Jacobs Company, LATA/Parallax Portsmouth, and Fluor-BWXT Portsmouth.
The plaintiff seeks judgment for damages related to funeral expenses for Cheyenne Dunham; medical costs incurred during her treatment; compensation for pain and suffering endured before her death; loss of companionship for surviving family members; and other relief deemed appropriate by the court or jury. Additionally, they request prejudgment and post-judgment interest along with coverage for legal fees.
Representing Julia Dunham are attorneys Jason Leasure from Leasure & Oliver PLLC based in Huntington WV; Mark F. Underwood from Underwood Law Office Inc.; Kevin W Thompson from Thompson Barney LLP located also in West Virginia among others who have filed pro hac vice motions forthcoming as well as Victor Cobb & Matthew Camm representing Cooper Law Firm LLC situated out Harahan LA . The case is presided over under Case ID: 2:25-cv-01374-JLG-KAJ.
Source: 225cv01374_Dunham_v_Centrus_Energy_Corp_Complaint_Southern_District_Ohio.pdf
