The University of the Cumberlands, located in Kentucky, has agreed to a settlement of more than $14 million in relation to the tragic and untimely death of student wrestler, Grant Brace. The settlement, which was announced by the university, includes a commitment to participate in a heat-illness training program and to raise awareness of heat-related injuries.
Grant Brace, a junior from Louisville, Tennessee, passed away on August 31, 2020, due to heat stroke. Reports suggest that Brace begged for water, but was refused and that his death was “tragic and entirely avoidable”. The lawsuit, which was filed by the family, also revealed that Brace had been diagnosed with narcolepsy and ADHD and was prescribed Adderall, which required him to maintain proper hydration.
The wrestler passed away on the first training day of the season. After practice, the team had to sprint multiple times up and down a steep hill. Brace managed to complete several sprints before sitting down from exhaustion. However, the coach threatened to kick Brace off the wrestling team, which led him to run up the hill again. Later, he was heard saying “I’m done. I can’t do this anymore,” according to the lawsuit.
Brace continued to beg for water as his condition deteriorated, but his coaches failed to provide him with any assistance. They didn’t contact the trainer or emergency medical personnel either, despite the severity of the situation. In desperation, Brace left to find water, but the outdoor fountain was not working. He also tried to enter a building, but was unable to do so, and eventually collapsed. Approximately 45 minutes later, the coaches found him dead with his hands clenched in the grass and CCÂ .
