DURHAM, N.C. — The family of Devin Butts, a former basketball player at North Carolina Central University, has initiated a lawsuit against the school, two years after his tragic death. Butts, a 22-year-old senior, was deeply passionate about basketball and aspired to play professionally. His father, Derex Butts, reflected on his son’s early love for the game, recalling how Devin began playing at the age of three.
On the evening of April 30, 2023, Devin Butts suffered a cardiac arrest while with his teammates at McDougald-McLendon Arena, according to legal documents filed by his family. The lawsuit claims that a lack of accessible automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at the facilities significantly contributed to the tragedy. Reportedly, the only AED on the premises was locked in the athletic training room, far from where the incident occurred.
Emergency medical services arrived 18 minutes after Butts fell unconscious, by which time he had been deprived of oxygen for nearly 20 minutes. Although paramedics managed to restore his heartbeat, he sustained serious brain damage and ultimately passed away at Duke University Hospital.
Jason Burton, an attorney representing the Butts family, stated that they are pursuing accountability from the university, emphasizing systemic failures in response to emergencies. “We’re seeking transparency and accountability,” Burton said, underscoring that multiple administrative layers failed to protect student-athletes’ well-being.
The lawsuit specifically names several university officials, including the former acting chancellor, the current athletic director, the head coach of the men’s basketball team, the facilities and operations manager, and the campus police chief. The family contends that these individuals are collectively responsible for the management and oversight of the university’s athletic program, particularly regarding safety protocols.
The Butts family is seeking $1 million in damages, citing negligence and wrongful death. Legal representatives argue that prompt medical attention could have potentially reversed the cardiac event Devin experienced.
In the wake of this tragedy, Derex Butts is calling for significant changes within the university, advocating for mandatory CPR and basic first-aid training for all student-athletes.
Meanwhile, North Carolina Central University has acknowledged the lawsuit but refrained from further comments, as it pertains to ongoing legal matters. The incident has raised broader concerns about emergency preparedness in collegiate sports.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for immediate access to life-saving equipment and training in athletic settings.
This article was automatically written by OpenAI. The people, facts, circumstances, and story may be inaccurate, and any article can be requested for removal, retraction, or correction by contacting contact@publiclawlibrary.org.