Sophie Rollet, who lost her husband in a 2014 accident caused by a burst tyre, has been conducting her own research ever since, determined to uncover the truth behind the tragedy.
On Tuesday, she attended a hearing with the investigating judge in Besançon. For the first time, Rollet says she finally sees light at the end of the tunnel regarding the conclusion of the judicial investigation.
According to Rollet, the investigating judge indicated that, based on the information currently available, it may be possible to conclude the investigation as early as 2027. The lengthy process is largely due to the numerous legal appeals filed by Goodyear over documents seized during searches at the company’s Luxembourg site in 2024.
Some appeals are still ongoing, which means the judge in Besançon does not yet have access to all relevant documents and cannot reach a final decision until these have been thoroughly examined.
It has been more than twelve years since her husband’s fatal accident. An expert concluded in 2020 that a manufacturing defect in the tyre was responsible for the crash.
However, a new expert assessment will be needed, as the original expert can no longer continue for health reasons. The judge’s priority is to ensure that the findings of the current expert assessment are preserved in the case file as proceedings continue, she says.
Rollet’s research revealed that between 2011 and 2016, hundreds of accidents were linked to the same series of Goodyear tyres. Despite this, the company did not issue a safety recall or warn customers about the risks, opting instead for a voluntary replacement programme.
Since May 2025, Goodyear Luxembourg has faced charges in Besançon, including involuntary manslaughter, fraud related to product quality, and "deceptive commercial practices".
For Rollet, the investigation goes beyond simple deception or involuntary manslaughter, as there is an actual danger to human life involved.
She believes that the direction of the case could lead to more serious consequences for the company than a standard involuntary manslaughter charge.
Earlier this year, Rollet addressed an open letter to Goodyear management via RTL Luxembourg, where she raised the issue that it was still possible to order the problematic tyres.
A few weeks later, she observed that the tyres were no longer available for order from France, or at least from Gennes. Rollet expressed her "deep satisfaction" at this development, noting that if her open letter helped bring about this change, she welcomed Goodyear’s response on this important safety issue.
She does not view herself as Goodyear’s adversary, and emphasises that everyone involved is working towards change and progress in the case.
At no point has she wished for the company’s downfall, as she is also mindful of the employees and workers affected, she says.
Ultimately, Rollet says her main wish is for people, and the real-life consequences for them, to take centre stage again in economic decision-making models.
