Michigan State U. to Pay Nearly $30 Million to 3 Survivors of Campus Shooting

Michigan State University (MSU) has agreed to a settlement totaling almost $30 million with three students who survived a mass shooting on campus in February 2023. This tragic incident left three other students dead and several others seriously wounded. According to an announcement made by legal representatives on Tuesday, the compensation is intended to support the survivors as they continue to recover from the devastating physical and emotional trauma they endured.

The settlement includes a payment of $14.2 million to 23-year-old Nathan Statly, who suffered a gunshot wound to the head. Another survivor, 22-year-old Yukai (John) Hao, who was rendered paralyzed after being shot in the back, will receive $13 million. A third student, Troy Forbush, age 24, who was shot in the chest during the incident, will be paid $2.5 million. The amounts were confirmed in a joint statement released by attorneys from Grewal Law and Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman, the firms representing the survivors.

The resolution follows extensive negotiations between the university’s legal team and the attorneys representing the three young men. The survivors had formally informed MSU of their intention to pursue legal action shortly after the shooting occurred in 2023.

While Michigan State University declined to comment on the specific terms of the settlements, a university spokesperson stated, “We sincerely hope that resolving these claims will offer some level of comfort, care, and stability to the affected students and their families during this difficult time.”

The shooting took place on the evening of February 13, 2023. At approximately 8:30 p.m., the shooter—later identified by law enforcement as 43-year-old Anthony McRae—began firing inside Berkey Hall, a building that houses the College of Social Science. Two students were killed there before McRae moved to the nearby student union building, where he claimed a third victim. Both buildings are located just minutes apart along Grand River Avenue and were open to the public at the time of the attack.

Following a tense three-hour search, police found McRae off-campus around 11:30 p.m. He was discovered dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

In addition to the three deaths, five other individuals sustained critical injuries in the attack. In December 2023, Michigan State University agreed to a separate settlement of $15 million with the families of the three students who were killed: Arielle Diamond Anderson, a 19-year-old sophomore from Harper Woods; Brian Fraser, a 20-year-old sophomore from Grosse Pointe; and 20-year-old junior Alexandria Verner, from Clawson.

As for the survivors of the attack, their attorneys emphasized the severe and lifelong impact of their injuries.

At the time of the shooting, Nathan Statly was a junior pursuing a degree in environmental biology and zoology. As a result of the gunshot wound to his head, he now lives with a traumatic brain injury. According to his attorney Mick Grewal, Statly’s life has been profoundly altered, and he will require long-term care and support.

Troy Forbush, also a junior at the time, was studying for a dual degree in music education and vocal performance. The gunshot wound to his chest ended his dreams of a future career in opera. “Troy had incredible potential as a vocalist,” Grewal noted in an interview. “This injury has taken away not just his physical health, but also his career aspirations and passion.”

Yukai Hao was working toward a degree in economics when he was shot. The injury left him permanently paralyzed from the waist down. His attorney, William Azkoul, shared during an interview that Hao’s condition has transformed every aspect of his daily life, requiring major adjustments and constant medical care.

“This agreement marks a turning point for these young men,” Azkoul said. “For over a year, they’ve lived with the uncertainty of unresolved legal matters. It’s been emotionally draining, knowing they were in limbo and couldn’t fully focus on their recovery and future. With this settlement, they now have the financial and emotional space to begin healing and planning for their lives ahead.”

Initially, MSU attempted to assert governmental immunity and denied any legal liability for the shooting, a common stance among public institutions when faced with such lawsuits. However, over time, the university changed its approach and agreed to enter negotiations to reach a fair resolution outside of court.

Attorney Mick Grewal expressed appreciation for the university’s eventual willingness to resolve the matter without prolonged litigation. “At the start, the university did what most institutions do—deny responsibility,” he explained. “But in the end, they stepped up and agreed to address this directly and responsibly.”

William Azkoul also commended both legal teams for their dedication and collaboration in reaching the settlements. “It took a considerable amount of time and effort—over two years—to come to an agreement,” he said. “But everyone involved showed commitment to doing what was right for all parties. MSU’s legal team demonstrated professionalism and a sincere interest in finding a solution that would benefit not only their client but also our clients.”

Although no financial compensation can undo the damage caused by the tragedy, the settlements offer a sense of closure and a foundation for rebuilding the lives of those who survived.

This incident is one of many that have reignited national conversations about campus safety and gun violence in the United States. The fact that the shooter was able to enter unlocked, public buildings on campus has raised questions about university security policies and emergency preparedness. In the aftermath of the shooting, MSU officials pledged to review and strengthen safety protocols, including access control to campus facilities and emergency communication systems.

The university has also committed to providing continued counseling and support services to students and staff affected by the shooting. In addition, the broader East Lansing community has come together in various ways to honor the victims and support the survivors, including vigils, scholarships, and mental health initiatives.

The three survivors—Nathan Statly, Yukai Hao, and Troy Forbush—will now move forward with the resources they need to manage their recovery, thanks in part to the efforts of their legal teams and the eventual cooperation of Michigan State University. While the scars of the 2023 shooting will remain, this settlement offers a step toward justice and healing for those who lived through that horrific night.