ORANGE COUNTY, Fla.,None — It's up to a jury on Thursday night to decide whether the University of Central Florida football staff could have prevented the death of player Ereck Plancher.
During closing arguments in the wrongful death trial, Plancher's family attorney, Steve Yerried, told the jury why its decision is so important.
Yerried reminded jurors that Plancher tested positive for sickle cell trait, and he said trainers and coaches did not help the player soon enough when he collapsed inside the football practice field on March 18, 2008.
"You're the spark plug. You are the spark plug that fires the engine of justice," said Yerried.
Plancher's parents are suing the UCF Athletics Association for millions of dollars, claiming negligence. During the three-week-long trial, one conflicting fact is whether Plancher was ever told he tested positive for sickle cell trait.
On Thursday, head football trainer Mary Vander Heiden testified, but her own testimony seemed to flip-flop regarding whether she told Plancher about the results.
"I can't say with certainty that yes I did or no I didn't," said Vander Heiden later
UCF President John Hitt was in the courtroom on Thursday and didn't show any emotion during closing arguments.
"The message must be sent, not to all of college football. It must be sent to them. So, that all of college football will know your message," said Yerried.
The jury is deliberating and could make a decision on Thursday night.
WFTV
