The tragic passing of Brian Christopher Lawler, better known as former WWE star Grandmaster Sexay, in 2018 while incarcerated has left an enduring impact on his father, WWE Hall of Famer Jerry The King Lawler. However, a recent legal decision has put an end to Lawlers ongoing lawsuit regarding the circumstances of his sons death.
Lawler filed a $3 million lawsuit against Hardeman County, Tennessee in 2019, alleging numerous failures of the county and its employees which he claimed led to his sons untimely death. Brian Christopher was found hanging in his cell in Bolivar, Tennessee in July 2018, after being incarcerated following a DUI arrest. While authorities claimed he committed suicide, Lawler has long suspected that foul play may have been involved, as his son had been assaulted by another inmate earlier that day.
The Lawsuit: Claims and Allegations
In the lawsuit, Lawler argued that Hardeman County failed to provide his son with necessary treatment for his drug and alcohol issues, which he had specifically requested from Sheriff John Doolen. Lawler claimed that Doolen promised him that Brian would receive proper care during his incarceration, which ultimately did not happen. Instead, Brian was left without treatment, and, according to the lawsuit, was neglected by correction officers who failed to check on him when he was found unresponsive in his cell.
Lawler also pointed to the lack of preparation from the officers, alleging that their attempt to save Brians life after discovering him hanging was hindered by their use of a pair of childrens scissors to try to cut him free. This negligence, according to Lawler, may have cost his son his life.
Courts Decision: Dismissal and Rationale
According to PWInsider, the case took a significant turn on September 4, 2024, when the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee dismissed Lawlers lawsuit. The court ruled that Hardeman County could not be held liable for the actions of its employees under the legal framework required for such cases. Specifically, the court found that there was insufficient evidence to prove that the officers were aware of a strong likelihood of suicide, and thus, they could not be held responsible for disregarding that risk.
A major part of the dismissal rested on the fact that the lawsuits arguments were based on a 2021 precedent, while Brians death occurred in 2018. The appellate court determined that an earlier legal precedent should have been applied, one which favored the defendants.
With this ruling, Lawlers hopes of holding the county accountable for his sons death were effectively dashed. The courts decision marks the end of the legal battle that has dragged on for years, with Lawler facing the harsh reality that his lawsuit will not proceed any further.
A Fathers Grief
Throughout the lengthy legal process, Lawler has maintained that his sons death could have been prevented with better care and attention. His lawsuit sought not only financial compensation but also an order mandating changes in Hardeman Countys prison system to prevent future suicides. Unfortunately, the dismissal of the case closes the door on that possibility.
Lawlers frustration stems from his belief that he trusted the countys sheriff with his sons well-being, only to feel betrayed when those promises were broken. While the legal fight may be over, the loss of Brian Christopher remains a painful chapter in Jerry Lawlers life.
Given the courts decision to dismiss Jerry Lawlers lawsuit regarding the tragic death of his son, Brian Christopher, what do you think this ruling means for the accountability of prison systems in cases like this? How can institutions ensure better care for inmates struggling with mental health or addiction issues? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
