March 22, 2023 | Wrongful Death

Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC is proud to announce that our legal team has obtained a $14.12 million dollar settlement for the family of Grant Brace, a University of Cumberlands wrestler who died during practice.

Our firm initiated a wrongful death lawsuit against the university on behalf of the Brace family due to its negligence in preventing Grant’s death. Prior to his death, Grant suffered from narcolepsy and ADHD. He took Adderall to treat his ADHD, a medication which requires maintaining proper hydration.

The Wrestling Practice That Led To Grant’s Death

Grant’s death occurred in August 2020, shortly after the first training session of the season. During this session, coaches required members of the wrestling team to sprint up and down a steep hill known as “punishment hill.” Grant ran multiple sprints before sitting down due to exhaustion. He asked the coaches for water and showed signs of dehydration. He also demonstrated erratic behavior that caused coaches to ask him to leave the wrestling room. At one point, he said, “I feel like I am going to die.”

However, the coaches did not provide him with water or contact emergency medical personnel. Upon leaving the wrestling room, Grant searched frantically for a source of water. He collapsed and died from heat stroke shortly thereafter.

The University of the Cumberlands Agrees to a $14.12 Million Settlement

Grant’s death was inexcusable — heat-related illnesses are completely avoidable. Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC was honored to help the Brace family secure justice for Grant’s death. The University of the Cumberlands agreed to a $14+ million settlement early in the legal process. In addition to paying the settlement, the university has agreed to participate in a training program focused on preventing heat-related illnesses.

The case has received exposure from numerous media outlets, including Kentucky.com, the New York Times, USA Today, ESPN, and several local media outlets. Our personal injury attorney Brad Vines stated, “It is important . . . that the amount of this settlement be known so that coaches and educational institutions understand the weight of ignoring heat-related illnesses.”

 

Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC
325 W Main St #210, Lexington, KY 40507
(859) 800-5714