Kroger has settled a wrongful-death lawsuit tied to the death by suicide of a former worker at its Milford store, ending a five-year legal fight over alleged workplace harassment. The case centered on Evan Seyfried, a longtime dairy department manager whose family said store managers helped create conditions that drove him to take his own life. The settlement closes the dispute without a jury deciding the allegations.
As reported by The Cincinnati Enquirer, Seyfried’s family alleged that harassment by store managers drove his death and that Kroger failed to intervene. Seyfried had worked for Kroger for 19 years, left the company shortly before his death, and died on March 9, 2021, according to The Washington Post.
Family Alleged A Campaign Of Workplace Harassment
The lawsuit accused managers at the Milford store of bullying Seyfried over mask use and political disagreements during the COVID-19 pandemic, while also allegedly sabotaging his work and subjecting him to threatening conduct. The claims included allegations that people followed him home and that he received disturbing messages, according to the earlier reporting.
Kroger tried to end the case before trial by arguing that Ohio’s so-called suicide rule protected the company from liability. But Hamilton County Judge Christian Jenkins allowed the central claims to continue in 2023, ruling that the court could not decide at that stage whether Seyfried’s death was unforeseeable, WCPO reported.
Settlement Ends A Closely Watched Cincinnati Case
The lawsuit drew attention well beyond the Milford store, including protests outside the Hamilton County Courthouse calling for Kroger to address workplace bullying and management accountability. Local demonstrators said the case should prompt companies to create stronger, independent systems for investigating harassment complaints, according to FOX19.
The settlement resolves the family’s civil claims, but it does not amount to a court finding that the allegations were proven. It also means the public will not get a trial verdict addressing whether Kroger or the individual managers were legally responsible for Seyfried’s death.
Support Is Available
Anyone experiencing emotional distress or thoughts of suicide can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which offers free and confidential support around the clock.
