People may ask "Why sue for wrongful death? No amount of money can ease our loss!".
The family of Dale Lloyd II, a 19 year-old football player for Rice University, whose death, following his collapse at practice, was linked to sickle cell trait, sued to effect a change in policy.
In the past ten years, the deaths of eight football players have been linked to the sickle cell trait. Mr. Lloyd was not tested for the trait by the Rice Owls, who have since initiated testing of their athletes.
On April 13, 2010, as part of the wrongful death settlement, the NCAA agreed to offer its athletes three options regarding sickle cell trait: be tested, show that they were tested, or sign a release refusing the test.
Through the loss of their son, the Lloyd family sought to protect other athletes and their families from a similar fate. They have succeeded. Athletes, coaches, doctors and trainers now receive information on the danger of sickle cell.
