The Orlando Sentinel has reported that athletic trainers and water were not present during the final portion of Ereck Plancher’s fatal workout; the new information contributing to the wrongful death lawsuit filed by his parents against UCF.
The report came from his former teammate, UCF football player, Anthony Davis, in a deposition on March 18.
Davis stated that athletic trainers failed to assist Plancher though he clearly showed signs of distress as he attempted a difficult obstacle course the day that he died. Additionally, UCF coach George O’Leary cursed at Plancher – repeatedly – when he failed to keep up with his teammates in the exercise
The attorneys representing UCF argued that Davis’ statements were inconsistent with those of other players that were also present during the workout.
During an off-season conditioning workout on March 18, 2008, Plancher, 19, died because the exercise triggered his sickle cell trait. His blood disorder attacked his organs and his body just shut down.
On March 12, 2009, Enock and Giselle Plancher, Ereck’s parents, lodged a wrongful death lawsuit against the UCF Athletics Association and the UCF board of trustees.
UCF maintains that Ereck’s death was a tragedy, but that staff members did all that they could do to keep him alive.
Attorneys for the Planchers presented Davis’ deposition in an Orange County court as part of their motion in seeking punitive damages.
The Plancher family attorney asked Davis about the availability of trainers during the indoor obstacle course. Davis replied, “Yes, there were trainers around, then moments later once everything was really set up, Coach O'Leary told everyone to leave. The water to leave and the trainers to leave.”
The same attorney then asked Davis to clarify, “What do you mean, he told you – the water to leave?”
Davis reiterated by stating, “He just said, I don't want any water. All waters I want outside, and I want the trainers to get away from the players and please go outside. He screamed it and that's what happened.”
Davis then stated, as to Plancher’s physical state, that the player was breathing laboriously, he lagged behind, and once, fell onto his face when he was unable to complete a sprint across the field.
Davis further contended that Plancher was left unaided by trainer Robert Jackson until the entire workout was completed. Plancher’s teammates were the ones to carry him out of the indoor practice area once he had collapsed.
Orange County Circuit Judge Robert M. Evans said, “This is a linchpin…it was a pretty powerful statement.”
To which an attorney for UCF responded, “If true.”
Evans has given UCF attorneys a week to complete their cross examination of Davis and then he will decide whether or not he will allow the Planchers to seek punitive damages in the case.
Davis reportedly had a close relationship with Plancher and, he himself is no longer affiliated with the UCF team.
If you have lost a family member in a wrongful death, contact a personal injury lawyer to seek punitive damages for your loss.