A Kentucky university says it has agreed to a settlement of more than $14 million for the death of a wrestling student during practice.
WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. — A Kentucky university has agreed to a settlement of more than $14 million for the death of a wrestling student during practice, the institution said in a statement.
The settlement reached Wednesday in the death of Grant Brace, 20, of Louisville, Tenn., includes an agreement for the University of Cumberlands to participate in a heat-related illness training program and help raise awareness about injuries. heat-related news outlets reported, citing a statement from the university.
Brace’s death on August 31, 2020 from heat stroke after he asked for water and was denied “was tragic and entirely preventable,” the lawsuit says.
Brace was diagnosed with narcolepsy and ADHD and was prescribed Adderall, which requires maintaining hydration, according to the lawsuit.
He died during the first day of training for the wrestling team’s season. After practice, the team had to run several times up and down a steep hill and Brace completed several before sitting down exhausted. The coach threatened to kick Brace off the wrestling team, so he ran up the hill again and was later heard saying “I’m done. I can’t do this anymore,” the lawsuit said.
She begged for water and her condition continued to deteriorate, but the trainers failed to provide her with water or contact the trainer or emergency medical personnel, according to the lawsuit. Brace left and tried to drink from a non-functioning outdoor water fountain. He also tried to enter a building but couldn’t and collapsed. About 45 minutes later, the trainers found him dead with his hands clenched in the grass and dirt, according to the lawsuit.
The university said in a statement that it believed it could defend the claims made in the lawsuit, but “the legal process would have been long, difficult and expensive, ending within a few years in a trial with an uncertain outcome.”
He said that student and athlete safety is a top priority and that he “welcomes the opportunity to work with the Brace Family Consultant to ensure he provides the safest possible environment for student athletes in all sports.”
