Family of 20-Year-Old UA Student Who Drowned in 2021 Settles Lawsuit With Tuscaloosa Bar

The family of a University of Alabama student who drowned in the Black Warrior River in 2021 has settled their wrongful death lawsuit against a downtown Tuscaloosa bar, which allegedly overserved the 20-year-old before his death.

As the Thread previously reported, 20-year-old Garrett Walker went missing after a night downtown in November 2021, and his body was later recovered from the river by police search teams.

Prince Glover Hayes, the law firm representing his parents, Andy and Debbie Walker, said evidence shows their son was served alcohol at the Gray Lady bar on Greensboro Avenue despite his age, overserved, and that staff there were drinking alcohol with patrons.

Get our free mobile app

Partner Josh Hayes said in a Wednesday press release that after three years of litigation, the parties have reached a settlement that includes a monetary component, but focuses primarily on mandatory and systemic reforms to the hospitality scene in Tuscaloosa.

That will include the Gray Lady apologizing to the Walker family, enhancing their training for all staff, implementing new technology to verify the veracity of IDs, strictly banning employees from drinking with patrons, and more.

The bar will also spearhead efforts to encourage other businesses in the area to implement similar measures, the attorneys said.

"Andy and Debbie have been unwavering in seeking not just justice, but lasting change for the Tuscaloosa community," PGH Partner Blake Williams said.

PGH said the Walker family's lawsuit against Delta Chi National Fraternity remains ongoing.

"The Walker family continues to seek information regarding Garrett’s final hours," Hayes wrote. "Anyone with information, regardless of how insignificant it may seem, is urged to contact 205-345-1234 or email josh@princelaw.net."