Gonzaga University Settles For $400K in Student Death

Gonzaga University has paid $400,000 to the family of Christopher Gormley, a student from Everett who died on a kayak trip organized by the school.

The 18-year-old Gormley was one of seven people on a kayak trip to Rock Lake in Whitman County on April 1, 2012.

The city of Spokane also paid $550,000 to Gormley’s estate, a payment approved by the city council this week.

The Spokesman-Review reported Tuesday that about 30 minutes after launch, three men, including Gormley, capsized in single-seat kayaks in rough, wind-whipped water. The other two made it to shore.

Rescuers found Gormley in the water wearing a life jacket. He was taken to the hospital but died from hypothermia.

Gormley was a graduate of Henry M. Jackson High School in Everett.