SPORTS : Gathers’ Mother Is Allowed to Pursue Wrongful Death Suit
A judge ruled today that Lucille Gathers, mother of former Loyola Marymount basketball star Hank Gathers, can proceed with her $32.5-million wrongful death suit against coaches, doctors and the university.
The defendants asked the judge to dismiss Mrs. Gathers from the lawsuit, contending that she had no legal standing to sue because she was not financially dependent on her son when he suddenly died March 4, 1990.
But Superior Court Judge J. Gary Hastings said the issue should be determined at trial. His ruling allows the lawsuit to proceed.
The law states there are only two groups of people who can file a wrongful death lawsuit: the heirs and anyone financially dependent on the decedent, said Bruce Fagel, a lawyer who represents Mrs. Gathers.
Gathers’ only heir was an illegitimate son, Aaron Crum, who lives with his mother in Philadelphia.
Fagel contends Mrs. Gathers was getting money and other goods from her son while he played on the basketball team.
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