The family of Jeremy Medina, a high school baseball player who died in a batting cage accident in 2023, has settled its wrongful death lawsuit with his school district.
Medina, who was 18, was hit in the head with a bat after leaning into a net next to where another player was following through on his swing. After spending two weeks in critical condition, Medina was declared brain dead. He died one week later.
Gainesville High School principal Jamie Green said at the time that there was “no horseplay, no misconduct, and no intent” in the accident, according to WSBTV.
The following May, his family sued the Gainesville City School System, accusing school employees of negligence and saying it took more than three minutes for an adult to come to Medina’s aid. The family also alleged that no one called 911 until seven minutes after the incident.
His family sought $722,000 in damages for Medina’s mental pain and suffering, medical bills and burial costs, WSBTV reported.
Terms of the settlement have not been disclosed, but the family filed a motion on Tuesday, August 4, to dismiss the charges against most of the defendants listed on the initial suit.
“The Medina family experienced an unimaginable loss with the tragic accident that took Jeremy’s life,” Gainesville Schools Superintendent Jeremy Williams said in a statement obtained by CBS. “In addition to his family, Jeremy’s death affected his friends, teammates, coaches, teachers, classmates, and countless members of our community, and they continue to carry this loss with them.”
The statement continued, “While the legal proceedings have concluded for GCSS, we recognize that grief does not end. Our thoughts remain with everyone who knew and loved Jeremy, and we remain committed to supporting our students, staff, and community as we continue moving forward together.”
The school district also emphasized that the settlement is “not an admission of liability or wrongdoing by GCSS or its employees.” CBS reports the district also believes the settlement will “bring any litigation against the district and its employees to an end.”
After Medina’s death, his family shared that he was an organ donor and that he would have an honor walk to thank him for potentially saving other lives. The family also thanked the community for its kindness in the wake of the incident.
“We would never imagine the love and support,” Jeremy’s father, David Medina, said.
The family added that Jeremy had a scholarship offer to play baseball in college and dreamed of one day playing professionally.
