Woman sues over death of same-sex partner in State Fair stage collapse

CHICAGO (AP) - A Chicago woman has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit in Indiana seeking damages for the death of her same-sex partner in a stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair.

Alisha Brennon and Christina Santiago entered into a civil union in Chicago in June. Because the union is not recognized in Indiana, the state's courts must determine whether Brennon can seek compensation in her partner's death. Santiago was one of seven people killed by the Aug. 13 stage collapse.

"I was knocked unconscious with her right in front of me, on the ground," Brennon said at a news conference Monday. "I never saw her again."

• ONLINE EXTRA | Click through the videos above to see Alisha Brennon's and Kenneth Allen's full news conference

Brennon's attorney, Kenneth Allen, says it is egregious that in Illinois, and other states civil unions are recognized, but in Indiana they become nonpersons.

"This was not some casual acquaintanceship," Allen said. "This was a marriage."

Northwestern University political science professor Andrew Koppelman said Monday that Brennon is going to have a hard time with the lawsuit because Indiana law does not recognize civil unions.