Woman sues Patriots, NFL for $10 million in husband's wrongful death Kimberly Chartier of Chicopee, Mass., has filed a civil suit against the New England Patriots and the NFL for the wrongful death of her husband during a 2010 Patriots game at Gillette Stadium, according to the Springfield Republican.
Chartier, who is suing on behalf of her son, Tedy, is seeking at least $10 million in damages. The suit alleges that the Patriots and the NFL are responsible for 40-year-old Jeffrey Chartier dying from cardiac arrest in front of Tedy, who was 6 years old at the time
There were reports that Chartier's death had been immediately preceded by an altercation with a stadium security guard. Arthur Sherman was identified in the lawsuit as that security guard.
The suit, filed in June, alleges: "Jeff Chartier died as a result of cardiac arrest that was precipitated by agitation and stress caused by an interaction with a security guard at Gillette Stadium who inappropriately and unnecessarily confronted Jeff Chartier and his son Tedy in a harsh, unprofessional, confrontational, disrespectful and antagonistic manner."
Specifically, according to the suit, two NFL game officials invited Tedy, who is named after former Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi, onto the field before the game but Sherman confronted Jeffrey Chartier about Tedy's presence on the field. The confrontation lasted more than 15 minutes. Afterwards, Chartier went back to his seat and became unresponsive. He was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
"We had a situation which in our view should have been easily resolved," George W. Marion, one of Chartier's lawyers, said. "It's a day that really started off with the excitement of a father bringing his 6-year-old son to an opening day."
Lawyers representing the NFL declined comment, saying an answer to the charges will be filed within the time period the court allows.
The Patriots held a moment of silence for Chartier before the next home game following his death, and, according to the Boston Globe, donated an autographed Tom Brady jersey for auction at a benefit for the family. Additionally, team owner Robert Kraft sent a letter of condolence to the family.
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