Family of Special Needs Drowning Victim Reaches $200,000 Settlement

The family of 22-year-old Sean-Michael Glarner, who drowned while at Okemos Special Needs Day Camp, will receive $200,000 in a settlement with Okemos Public Schools.

In 2008, Glarner had a seizure while in a pool at the day camp, run by the Okemos school district. His parents had initially sued the school district, but was ruled by the Michigan Court of Appeals that Okemos schools could not be sued because of governmental immunity.

Court documents show that in December of 2012, all parties involved reached a $200,000 wrongful death settlement. After court fees, Glarner’s parents and brother will receive close to $123,000.

Glarner, who had epilepsy and was mentally-challenged, had been an attendee of the summer camp for several years and did know how to swim. However, he was susceptible to seizures due to light being reflected off the water.

Glarner’s mother, Denise Glarner, previously told the Lansing State Journal that she believed her son should have had more direct supervision since the lifeguard who was on duty at the time of her son’s drowning, was unaware of his susceptibility to seizures.

Okemos school officials referred all questions to the district attorney, who could not be reached for comment.