Articles by Kyle Hightower

Florida Supreme Court to Review Florida Football Player Death Case

The legal fight between the University of Central Florida and the family of a football player who collapsed and died following conditioning drills is headed for Florida’s highest court. This week, the Florida Supreme Court agreed to hear an appeal …

Florida Hearing Set for Zimmerman Defamation Claim Against NBC

The judge in George Zimmerman’s defamation lawsuit against NBC Universal is set to hear arguments on a request by the media company to dismiss the case. A hearing has been set for June 19. The case had been postponed pending …

SeaWorld Files Complaint Against OSHA Investigator

SeaWorld has filed a complaint alleging that an Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigator who probed a SeaWorld trainer’s death engaged in unethical conduct by fraternizing with makers of a documentary critical of the park. The six-page complaint to the …

SeaWorld Charges OSHA in Cahoots with ‘Blackfish’ Documentary Filmmaker

SeaWorld has filed a complaint alleging that an Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigator who probed a SeaWorld trainer’s death engaged in unethical conduct by fraternizing with makers of a documentary critical of the park. The six-page complaint to the …

Florida Court Reduces Damages in College Football Player Wrongful Death Suit

A ruling by a Florida appeals court on Friday has reduced a $10 million damage award to $200,000 in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of a University of Central Florida football player who died following conditioning drills …

Buildings Near Florida Resort Sinkhole Being Inspected for Damage

An official at a resort near Orlando, Fla., where a 100-foot sinkhole has swallowed part of a villa has said he’s awaiting the results of inspections to determine if there’s been damage to two other buildings there. Summer Bay Resort …

Lawsuits by Fans Injured at NASCAR Race Face Obstacles

The attorney for three NASCAR fans injured last weekend during a race the day before the Daytona 500 says they are exploring a possible lawsuit, but some experts say they could face tough obstacles in winning damages. Matt Morgan, the …

Florida Marks I-75 Crash Anniversary; Tragedy Triggers Safety Measures, Lawsuits

The pre-dawn traffic moved fast on Interstate 75 through Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park outside Gainesville. The highway had been closed for hours after thick fog combined with smoke from a nearby wildfire reduced visibility to near zero, but now …

Athletic Union Vows Changes to Child Safety Policy

The Amateur Athletic Union was set to announce changes Wednesday to its child safety policies after its former president became the target of a child molestation investigation. The AAU called a news conference at its suburban Orlando, Fla., headquarters where …