Brandeis University wrongful death lawsuit alleges negligence in student's death – NBC Boston

Editor's Note: Some readers may find the details in the following story disturbing.

The family of a Brandeis University student who died by suicide on campus has filed a wrongful death lawsuit, claiming the university was grossly negligent in responding to calls that the sophomore was in danger in the hours before his death could be.

The lawsuit filed in Middlesex Superior Court by the family of 20-year-old Eli Stuart alleges Stuart suffered for hours before her death on Dec. 5, 2023, and could have been saved if police and campus security had been adequate The response would have been a call reporting a person lying on the ground, or another call from Stuart's mother reporting her missing.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live on 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.

Stuart had a history of mental health issues and had attempted suicide in the past, the lawsuit says. This information was provided to police when Stuart's mother called around noon on December 5 to report her missing. However, the lawsuit alleges that police did not connect the call from a concerned parent to another report from a professor earlier that morning, around 9 a.m. The professor had reported seeing someone along the tree line near the Harlan See the chapel lying on the ground.

That's where Stuart's body was found hours later, around 8 p.m., the lawsuit says.

The family claims that Brandeis police and campus security did not adequately respond to the call or treat the reports as an emergency. The lawsuit alleges that the officer who took the initial report did not respond to investigate the area until over an hour later, checked the wrong area despite a specific description from the professor, did not even get out of the police vehicle and did not answer the call properly logged.

According to the lawsuit, Stuart's phone was recording during this time and Stuart could be heard calling for help as he had apparently changed his mind about wanting to die. The family believes if the officer had checked the right area they would have found Stuart before it was too late.

“The lawsuit alleges that Eli died alone and in agony because Brandeis University and its law enforcement officers failed to act despite clear and unequivocal warnings that Eli was in trouble. Eli should still be with her family. “Plaintiffs' lawsuit seeks to hold all those they believe responsible for Eli's death accountable for their negligence,” said Howard M. Cooper, attorney for the plaintiffs.

The lawsuit also alleges that Brandeis police launched an internal investigation because they were aware the situation had not been handled properly. In an internal report, a supervisor stated that they were “shocked” at how the professor’s call for help was handled “so callously and unprofessionally.”

The lawsuit seeks damages for severe emotional distress and financial losses, as well as attorneys' fees. The family is represented by Todd &Weld LLP.

NBC10 Boston contacted Brandeis for comment and received the following response:

“Eli Stuart was a beloved member of the Brandeis community and her loss was deeply felt on campus. We extend our deepest condolences to her family. Her friends, roommates, professors and fellow students all mourn her death. Brandeis has offered resources and support to anyone affected by Eli's tragic loss.

Nothing is more important to Brandeis than the safety of our students. Consistent with best practices in higher education, Brandeis has multidisciplinary safety resources available to all members of the community, including the nursing team, the Department of Community Life, the Advising Center, the Health Center, the Offices of Academic Services and Graduate Affairs, the Brandeis Public Safety Office, the Center for Spiritual Life, the Prevention, Advocacy, and Resource Center, and a student concern reporting system monitored 24/7. Brandeis is proud to employ caring, knowledgeable, and dedicated professionals who support our students every day with these and other resources.

Any member of the Brandeis community who is concerned about their own well-being or the well-being of others is strongly encouraged to seek out these resources or contact local emergency services.”