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Tobacco firm denies cigarettes' role in death of woman 

Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp. is denying that its cigarettes led to the death of a Kent County woman who smoked Pall Malls for decades.

And even if the cigarettes can be linked to her health, Mary Beckett "voluntarily exposed" herself to the risk, the company said in response to a lawsuit that seeks $14.25 million.

Beckett, 69, died in 1996 after suffering a chronic lung disease tied to emphysema. She lived in Grand Rapids Township.

In a lawsuit, four sons and a daughter said her death was caused "solely by the negligence" of Brown & Williamson.

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