Michigan State University Settles With Shooting Survivors

News Summary

Michigan State University has reached a $30 million settlement with three students who survived a mass shooting on campus. The settlements, designed to aid their recovery, were finalized over 26 months, providing financial support as the survivors continue to navigate the aftermath of the traumatic event. Each survivor faced significant challenges, receiving amounts between $2.5 million to $14.2 million. The university’s decision to settle without pursuing court action reflects its commitment to support the students during their ongoing healing process.

East Lansing, Michigan – Michigan State University (MSU) has settled with three students who survived a mass shooting on campus in February 2023 for a total of approximately $30 million. The settlements, which took more than 26 months to finalize, are intended to provide financial relief and support to the survivors as they continue their recovery from the traumatic event.

The individual settlements are as follows: Nathan Statly received $14.2 million, Yukai “John” Hao received $13 million, and Troy Forbush received $2.5 million. Each of these survivors has faced considerable challenges following the shooting, which occurred on February 13, 2023, when a gunman opened fire inside two university buildings, resulting in the deaths of three students and injuring five others.

The victims of the shooting were identified as Brian Fraser, Arielle Anderson, and Alexandria Verner. Gunman Anthony McRae, 43, took his own life after a confrontation with law enforcement about four miles from the campus.

Nathan Statly’s Recovery Journey

Nathan Statly was left with a traumatic brain injury after suffering a gunshot wound to the head. He requires lifelong care and is currently undergoing daily physical therapy as part of his recovery process.

Yukai “John” Hao’s Aspirations

Yukai “John” Hao was shot in the back, leading to paralysis from the chest down. Despite his injury, he is focused on continuing his education with the goal of becoming a sports agent. Currently, he is in China undergoing stem cell treatments and is pursuing a degree in economics and sports management. As part of Hao’s settlement with MSU, he will receive support in the form of tuition, room and board waivers, and health insurance throughout his undergraduate studies and potentially for graduate school.

Troy Forbush’s Experience

Troy Forbush sustained a gunshot wound to the chest that damaged his lung. He has since graduated from MSU and is working on overcoming the trauma experienced during the shooting.

Legal Representation and Settlement Process

The survivors were represented by the law firms Grewal Law and Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman throughout the lengthy settlement process. Although the settlements are substantial, an attorney for the survivors indicated that the case was not about placing blame on the university for the shooting. Rather, MSU chose to support the students without pursuing court action, allowing for a resolution that could provide the needed assistance to those affected.

Wider Impact on Victims’ Families

In late 2023, the families of the three students killed in the shooting reached their own settlements with Michigan State University. The university issued a statement expressing condolences to the families and hopes that the settlements will offer some degree of relief to the victims and their loved ones.

Conclusion

As the community continues to heal from the tragic events of February 2023, these settlements signify an important step for the survivors in addressing their ongoing physical and emotional challenges. The financial assistance and educational support included in the settlements are vital as the victims work towards rebuilding their lives.

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Additional Resources

• The New York Times
• ClickOnDetroit
• Detroit News
• Wikipedia: Michigan State University mass shooting
• Google News: Michigan State University shooting settlement