JACKSONVILLE, FL — Eagan parents filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit last week against Jacksonville University after their daughter died by suicide in her dorm room in November 2021.
Julia Pernsteiner, 23, had a learning disability and was bullied by her college cross-country coach, according to the lawsuit. Pernsteiner graduated from Rosemount High School and was later recruited by Ronald E. Grigg Jr to join his team at Jacksonville.
However, when she was on the team, Grigg called Pernsteiner “retarded,” “attacked her about her weight,” called her “the slowest f…ing runner on the team” and unable to “wipe your own a..,” the lawsuit states.
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According to the lawsuit, “teammates recall Grigg taking a special satisfaction in humiliating Julia.”
But Jacksonville University administrators ignored the student’s request for help, her parents argue.
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“When her pleas for help went unanswered Julia’s frustration spiraled into desperation and depression,” the lawsuit adds.
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In July 2022, Grigg resigned as the cross-country coach and bullying allegations against him were made public. Announcing the resignation, Athletic Director Alex Ricker-Gilbert said the claims against Griff “made by the student in the fall of 2021 were taken seriously.”
“Within 48 hours of receiving the student’s allegations, the University began an investigation, which included meeting with current and former teammates, University employees, administrators, advisors, and coaches,” he continued.
But according to Ricker-Gilbert, “Less than two weeks into the course of our investigation, the student tragically passed away.”
In the lawsuit, Pernsteiner’s parents demand a judgment on damages, costs, and a trial by jury.
In an emailed statement, Jacksonville University told Patch that “The students, faculty, and staff of Jacksonville University continue to mourn Julia’s tragic death and we sympathize with the Pernsteiner family for their loss. Per University policy, we do not comment on pending litigation.”
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