Jordan Preavy was 17 years old when he committed suicide in 2012, a year after being sexually assaulted by players on his football team as a part of a hazing ritual in Milton, Vermont
A judge has dismissed the lawsuit filed by the parents of a high school football player who killed himself after being sexually assaulted by his teammates.
Jordan Preavy was 17 years old when he committed suicide in 2012, a year after being sexually assaulted by players on his football team as a part of a hazing ritual in Milton, Vermont.
On Thursday a judge ruled that the Milton School District couldn’t be held responsible for Preavy’s death, reported WCAX-TV.
Preavy was assaulted through his clothes by at least two older teammates in 2011. Part of the assault included being sodomized with a broomstick.
A witness told police the teenager’s head ‘snapped back and he looked pained.’ The individual also said Preavy yelled ‘no’ and ‘get off’ multiple times throughout the assault.
His parents are convinced the incident is what triggered their son’s decision to take his own life, and had sued the school district for failing to protect their son.
His parents are convinced the incident is what triggered their son’s decision to take his own life, and had sued the school district for failing to protect their son. But on Thursday a judge threw out the case – claiming the school district never could have known about the assault. He is pictured left with his mother Travy Stopford
‘It’s the only thing that makes sense. Having that sexual abuse in front of his team devastated him. Devastated,’ the boy’s mother, Tracy Stopford, told ESPN.
The judge concluded that the school district was unaware of the hazing and the assault on the team, and thus could not be held responsible.
Five former players whose ages range from 18 to 21 involved with the assault were charged in connection to the incident.
They all pleaded guilty to various charges having to do with the initiations that took place at members homes and on school grounds.
The Preavys’ lawyer has 30 days to appeal the judge’s ruling. It is not clear if he or she will do so. The Preavy family is pictured in court in 2015, listening to the students who assaulted their son enter their plea
One of the students is 20-year-old Ryan Carlson, who was accused of holding Preavy Down while another player, 21-year-old Brandon Beliveau allegedly used a broomstick on the boy against his will, according to the Burlington Free Press.
Two other former players Colby Darling, 19, and Brian Lasell, 20, pleaded guilty to simple assault. Both were given 18 months of probation.
The final player involved, William Jenkins, 19, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and completed 30 hours of community service and paid a $500 fine.
The Preavys’ lawyer has 30 days to appeal the judge’s ruling. It is not clear if he or she will do so.