$14 Million Lawsuit Settlement Served to Collegiate Wrestler’s Family, Who Died From Heatstroke Due to Coach’s Insensitivity

The family of Grant Brace finally reached a $14 million lawsuit settlement with the University of the Cumberlands after the promising wrestler became a victim of insensitivity on part of his coaches. The unfortunate incident took place 0n 31st August 2020, after Brace collapsed on the floor, dehydrated. Notably, Brace had previously expressed his concerns regarding the unsafe and unhealthy treatment of athletes.

While he left the college team earlier, his resolve to triumph over the hardships pushed him to rejoin the team. However, the reunion didn’t turn out as he imagined, as his desperate and repeated calls for water went unaddressed.

The punishment drill and negligence that cost collegiate wrestler his life

On a fateful afternoon in August 2020, the coaches had asked the team to run a punishment drill. It included a series of sprints up a 200-foot slope at a 35% incline, aptly called ‘Punishment Hill’. Markedly, it was a result of the team’s failure to meet the fundraising goals.

Despite his efforts, Brace, who was diagnosed with narcolepsy and ADHD and needed unlimited access to water, uttered, “I’m done. I can’t do this anymore.” Afterward, Brace exhibited symptoms of heat stroke and perilously asked for water as he lay on the ground.

“I feel like I am going to die,” he said as he displayed erratic behavior. Further, his eyes began to twitch, and he started speaking in gibberish. A couple of hours later on, he was found unconscious on the floor. Despite his desperate appeals, a person of interest addressed the cruelty and hardships the athlete faced from his own coaches.

The family attorney discloses the coaches made fun of Brace

James Moncus, a family attorney, recalled the incident in a conversation with the Washington Post. He informed, “They [coaches] would literally make fun of him for drinking water. They probably thought it was funny to withhold water that day.”

Also, Moncus pointed out that Brace not only needed hydration but also full-body cooling in order to salvage his life. He continued and added, “They [coaches] should have been trained on that; they should’ve recognized that.”

Similarly, Chancellor Jerry Jackson, in his statement, expressed Brace was a talented wrestler with a bright future ahead. Furthermore, he added, “We sincerely hope that resolving this matter early in the legal process will offer the Brace family a measure of peace and healing.”

The parties came to an agreement over negotiations terms in February and the university announced the details on Wednesday. While Brace’s family agreed to settle for $14,121,699, the number held significance. The last numbered honored Brace’s birthday.

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What do you think of this unfortunate incident regarding the death of a promising wrestler? Do you believe the authorities in charge could have prevented the unfortunate outcome if they had been diligent? Let us know in the comments below.

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