URI, insurer settle with family of baseball player who died after workout for $1.45M

PROVIDENCE – A $1.45 million settlement has been reached between the University of Rhode Island and its insurance carrier with the family of a University of Rhode Island baseball player who died three days after a “strength and conditioning” team workout on the campus in October 2011.
According to a press release issued Thursday from the Law Offices of Decof, Decof & Barry in Providence, sophomore Joseph P. Ciancola III, of Orange, Conn., collapsed during the Oct. 24, 2011, workout session and was hospitalized. The 20-year-old died Oct. 27 at Rhode Island Hospital.
Lawyer Patrick C. Barry represented Ciancola’s mother, Michele Ciancola, who brought a wrongful death lawsuit against the university in August 2012.
URI disputed the plaintiff’s allegations, and the case was scheduled for trial on Jan. 11, but was settled Jan. 8, according to the release.
“The decision to settle recognizes that this was a tragic death and acknowledges the uncertainty involved in litigation of this nature,” the release stated.
Barry stated that the settlement was “good for both sides,” adding, “this was a tragic death and a hard-fought legal dispute. We are pleased that in addition to the settlement funds, URI will set up a scholarship in Joe’s memory.”
“Joe was, and with this scholarship, will continue to be part of the University of Rhode Island Athletics family,” said Thorr Bjorn, URI athletic director.
A spokeswoman for Barry said he could not discuss the matter beyond the press release as he is constrained by the settlement agreement.

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