Family Reaches Settlement With Tuscaloosa Bar Following UA Student's 2021 Death

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A settlement has been reached in a wrongful death lawsuit stemming from the 2021 death of 20-year-old University of Alabama student Garrett Walker.

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Attorneys with Tuscaloosa law firm Prince Glover Hayes, which is representing Walker's family, said the agreement centers on sweeping safety reforms within Tuscaloosa’s hospitality industry.

The resolution was announced Wednesday after three years of litigation involving The Gray Lady and while the settlement includes a financial component, attorneys emphasized that its primary focus is on implementing systemic changes aimed at preventing similar incidents.

As Patch previously reported, Walker was last seen at The Gray Lady on Nov. 7, 2021, before his body was later recovered from the Black Warrior River.

Attorneys for Walker's family said evidence uncovered during the case revealed violations of Alabama law and Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board regulations, including the service of alcohol to underage and intoxicated individuals and employees drinking with patrons.

As part of the agreement, The Gray Lady will issue a written apology to Walker’s family and implement a series of reforms.

Those measures include requiring annual staff training on responsible alcohol service, mandating Responsible Vendor Certification for all employees and installing enhanced identification verification technology.

The bar has also agreed to prohibit employees from consuming alcohol while on duty, participate in Alabama ABC Board minor operative programs, and launch an underage drinking awareness campaign within the venue.

Additionally, The Gray Lady will work to encourage other Tuscaloosa establishments to adopt similar safety measures.

“The Walkers are courageous people honoring Garrett’s memory through service,” said PGH partner Josh Hayes in a statement.

Another attorney representing the family, Blake Williams, said Walker’s parents “have been unwavering in seeking not just justice, but lasting change for the Tuscaloosa community.”

Attorneys for the Walker family are scheduled to hold a press conference at 10 a.m. Thursday at the PGH offices, located at 2311 University Boulevard.

The case against Delta Chi National Fraternity remains ongoing, attorneys said.

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