Grant family no longer suing Skidmore students

The family of Alexander Grant, a Boston College student who died March 6, 2011 after an off-campus Skidmore party, has dropped a $5 million lawsuit against the nine individuals who allegedly served Grant alcohol the night of his death.

Eight of the nine men who were named as defendants in the suit filed on April 19 were former Skidmore students.

Grant’s parents are now offering a $100,000 reward to anyone who can provide information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of any persons involved in their son’s death.

Grant, 19, of Briarcliff Manor, was found dead in Putnam creek on March 8 where he wandered off to after leaving a party at 146 Church St. in an intoxicated state. He drowned in the creek after suffering from hypothermia.

Grant was in Saratoga visiting his friend, Michael Perlow ’13, the weekend of March 6, 2011, and had been drinking in a Skidmore college dorm room before attending the off-campus party.

The Grants had originally filed the lawsuit in hopes that the defendants would help fill in the missing details surrounding their son’s death. After speaking with the defendants, their families and their lawyers, the Grants decided to drop the suit.

“There is a strong possibility that key elements of the tragedy have yet to be brought to light. We believe we have a grave obligation to do everything in our power to determine the causes of his death, and will continue to seek information until we are satisfied that all relevant facts are in our possession,” the Grants said in a statement released on Sept 4 through their attorney, John Hoggan, of Albany.

The Grants reflected on their decision to file suit and have expressed regret with regard to the way the investigation was carried out.

“Our decision to file the lawsuit was a very difficult step for us. We have expressed regret at the steps we were forced to take in this matter. Our family remains heartbroken and devastated by the tragic loss of our beloved son, and by the failure of known facts to adequately explain how this senseless death could’ve happened,” they said.

The Grants will continue to do everything in their power to uncover the mysteries behind their son’s death and hope to gain closure and bring healing to their family and friends who knew Grant, the statement said.

Grant’s family is asking anyone with information about their son’s death to call 1-877-216-9588 or go to: www.alexgranttips.org.