Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Maryland Settled Over Firefighter Trainee’s Death

The family of a Maryland firefighter trainee who died during training has settled their wrongful death lawsuit with the Frederick County for $300,000.

Andrew Waybright was 23 in July 2002 when he died of heatstroke after an outdoor run at the Frederick County Public Safety Training Center. The Maryland wrongful death lawsuit brought by his parents, James and Shirley Waybright of Gettysburg, Pa., alleged that the training was done in extreme heat.

Doctors who examined Waybright’s body at Frederick Memorial Hospital said he had a temperature of 107.4. The complaint originally sought $3 million, claimed that Waybright’s supervising officer was negligent for not recognizing his condition and failing to provide first aid.

At the time of his death, Waybright was a volunteer firefighter for Harney in Carroll County, and was training for a full-time job with Frederick County. As part of the settlement, a commemorative plaque will be installed at the training center.

Maryland wrongful death law allows a parent to bring a claim for the loss of an adult child to recover compensation for the financial consequences of the death, as well as for the mental anguish, emotional pain and suffering, loss of society, companionship, comfort, protection, care attention, counsel, training, education or guidance.