EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State University has reached a $15 million settlement with the families of the three students who were tragically killed on February 13. The families of the victims, Alexandria Verner, Arielle Anderson, and Brian Fraser, will each receive $5 million as part of the settlement.
The negotiation process for the settlement took several months, with extensive discussions between the university and the families’ representatives. While the university denies any wrongdoing or liability, the settlements bring a sense of closure, support, and relief to the impacted families and aim to ensure that the memory of their children is not forgotten in the Spartan community.
The settlements were approved by MSU’s Board of Trustees on December 15, but the terms were not disclosed. The families of Anderson and Fraser, both from Grosse Pointe, plan to honor their children with the settlement money, while the Verner family intends to use their share to preserve their daughter’s legacy and increase their scholarship fund.
David Femminineo, the attorney for the family of Alexandria Verner, confirmed that the Verner family received $5 million from the university, emphasizing that the case was not about blaming MSU for the tragic events, but rather seeking answers to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As part of the settlement, MSU will not disclose the amount of compensation, and the university has not yet announced plans for a memorial for the victims of February 13. The campus community and the families affected by the tragedy continue to navigate the aftermath, with ongoing efforts to ensure the well-being of all involved.
In conclusion, the $15 million settlement reached between Michigan State University and the families of the victims of the tragic events in February 2023 has brought some closure, support, and relief to the impacted families. The university, while maintaining that it bears no liability, aims to ensure that the memory of the victims is not forgotten in the Spartan community. This settlement is part of the ongoing efforts to address the aftermath of the tragedy and prevent similar incidents in the future.