From the years between 1960 and 2017, there were approximately 145 deaths of football players due to heat-related causes. Recently, a 19-year-old college football player died of heatstroke complications. Sadly, this type of tragedy could impact Tennessee families if schools are not vigilant to ensure student safety, and failure to do so could provide a basis for a wrongful death lawsuit.
According to the investigation, the promising athlete was participating in running practice drills that consisted of 10 sprints of 110 yards each. According to the report, the player was exhibiting signs of heatstroke during the practice. However, by their own admission, members of the coaching staff did not apply the recommended treatment of cold-water immersion in order to counteract the effects of the heat.
Apparently, there were indications that the student suffered a stroke before he was transported to the nearest medical facility. Though he was admitted for in-patient care, the football player died two weeks later. The University of Maryland announced that the majority of its coaching staff — including the head coach — have been placed on leave while the investigation is ongoing. The school has also established a review committee comprised of a panel of law professionals and former coaches to study the underlying culture of the football program.
One member of the staff has already been fired, though it is unclear whether he may have played a direct role in the victim’s death. The vast majority of heatstroke deaths involving football players occurred during practice sessions. Anytime a Tennessee family loses a loved one as a result of the actions or decisions of another party, they are understandably shocked and devastated. In cases where the evidence suggests that the death was preventable, families may elect to seek justice and compensation for their monetary losses through a wrongful death suit filed in the civil courts.
