Kit Roberts
The family of a student athlete who died following a 'punishment practice' have now spoken out since the tragedy.
Student Grant Brace was only 20-years-old when he died following wrestling practice at the University of the Cumberlands.
On 31 August, 2020, Grant had been made to run up and down a hill called 'punishment hill' some seven times, and when his teammates tried to offer him water, it is alleged that his coaches said that he would have to get it himself.
An autopsy subsequently found that he had died of 'exertional heatstroke' and ruled that his death could have been prevented.
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And now, almost three years on from the tragedy, Grant's family have spoken out after the university agreed to pay out $14.1 million in a civil suit.
His mom, Jackie Brace, told Inside Edition: "A lot of people referred to him as a gentle giant. He was a big a guy, kind of intimidating to look at but so soft and kind like a teddy bear.
"It was hot. He was very hot, the surveillance video showed that he was trying to get in the school to get help, wasn't successful, and then was found close to water fountain on his hand and knees."
Grant's dad, Kyle Brace, then said: "He was begging for water, guys help me, please help me. It's so egregious, it's absolutely disgusting."
The athlete had indicated that there were issues going on for some time with the wrestling team before the fatal incident, with him making recordings on his phone which have since been released.
In one, he said: "They don't give me a break. They're all constantly on my a** about the littlest things. It's a pretty messed up situation."
Another voice memo had a chilling tone, with Grant saying: "Grant's daily blog for mom dad in case something bad were to happen to me or the coach is mistreating me."
His sister Kayleigh added: "I think the coaches, ultimately, were responsible. Hearing your brother recording these in case something bad were to happen me, there are no words."
Chancellor Jerry Jackson, of the University of the Cumberlands, said in a press release: "Grant was a talented, well liked young man entering his junior year with a bright future ahead of him. Our University community continues to mourn his untimely loss.
"We sincerely hope that resolving this matter early in the legal process will offer the Brace family a measure of peace and healing.
"The University made the decision to settle the case now in a manner it hopes will respect the Brace family’s tremendous loss."
UNILAD has reached out The University of the Cumberlands for a comment.