A wrongful death lawsuit was filed against the UM Board of Curators on March 31 in response to a [collapse](https://www.themaneater.com/stories/2014/2/22/university-village-evacuated/) that killed Columbia firefighter Lt. Bruce Britt.
Leigh Britt, the widow of late Bruce Britt, will be represented by Rick Barry of Law Offices of Rick Barry P.C. in St. Louis. Judge Christine Carpenter was assigned to the case. No hearing date has been set at this time.
A petition, filed under the names of Leigh Britt and daughter Stormy Britt, said the curators were aware of the [conditions](https://www.themaneater.com/stories/2014/3/12/petitions-created-wake-university-village-reports/) at University Village prior to the collapse and cites the lack of improvement to the conditions as the cause of Bruce Britt’s death.
“Defendant Curators acted recklessly and with wanton negligence when it failed to properly maintain and/or construct the Apartments and failed to correct the dangerous conditions on its property, which reckless and wanton negligence caused Decedent’s death,” the petition said.
The petition requests a court date and a financial relief of at least $25,000 plus the legal fees incurred by the plaintiff.
Barry said it is too early to tell what would be an appropriate amount of financial relief for the Britts to receive.
UM System spokesman John Fougere confirmed that system administrators are aware that the suit has been filed but was unavailable for additional comment.
_Stay with The Maneater for more information._
