A lawsuit says a would-be New York City firefighter died after collapsing during training because he was singled out to repeat a dangerously grueling exercise without oxygen at the ready. The autopsy showed PFF Sears had serious heart problems but his widow claims racism led to his death.
Jamel Sears’ widow filed a $10 million wrongful death lawsuit Tuesday against the city and Fire Department over his November 2008 death.
The lawsuit accuses the city and Fire Department of negligence and racial discrimination. It says Sears and a handful of other minorities had to repeat the exercise more often than white trainees. Sears was black.
A city lawyer calls Sears’ death "a tragic accident" and denies any discrimination in firefighter training.
Medical examiners said the primary cause of Sears’ death was dehydration complicated by strenuous exertion.
