A Kentucky university has agreed to pay more than $14 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of a wrestler who died after an on-campus workout.
The wrestler, Grant Brace, died in August 2020 after he and other members of the University of the Cumberlands wrestling team repeatedly sprinted up a hill as part of a “punishment practice,” according to the lawsuit filed by Brace’s parents and sister. Brace later complained of dehydration and died of exertional heat stroke. He was 20 years old.
The University of the Cumberlands, which competes in the NAIA, first announced the terms of the settlement in a statement Wednesday. It said it had agreed to participate in a training program and awareness campaign regarding the prevention of heat-related illnesses, in addition to compensating Brace’s family.
“We sincerely hope that resolving this matter early in the legal process will offer the Brace family a measure of peace and healing,” university chancellor Jerry Jackson said in a statement.
Brad Vines, an attorney for the family, said in a statement that the exact financial amount of the settlement is $14,121,699.
“It is important to the family that the amount of this settlement be known,” Vines said, “so that coaches and educational institutions understand the weight of ignoring heat-related illnesses.”
Brace’s family alleged in the lawsuit that the University of the Cumberlands and its wrestling coaches were negligent in the events leading up to their son’s death, which came on the first day of practice ahead of the 2020-21 season.
At the conclusion of the workout, Brace completed several sprints up “punishment hill” and started to show signs of heat stroke, according to the lawsuit. Upon returning to the wrestling room, he lay on the ground and asked for water, then said, “I feel like I am going to die.” He later began acting erratically and was told to leave the room, the lawsuit alleged.
“After fleeing the wrestling room, Grant searched desperately for assistance and a source of water,” the lawsuit claimed. “… Ultimately, Grant collapsed. Ultimately, Grant died.”
Vines, the family attorney, called Brace’s death “inexcusable,” while noting that deaths from exertional heat strokes are 100% preventable. He said the Brace family has since worked with the Korey Stringer Institute to develop the “B.R.A.C.E. Protocol,” which will be implemented at Brace’s school and promoted at other schools across the country.
The University of the Cumberlands said it “welcomes the opportunity” to work with the family to create “the safest environment possible for student-athletes in all sports.”
Contact Tom Schad at tschad@usatoday.com or on Twitter @Tom_Schad.