![\"Ethan](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/0_Ethan-Brown-death.jpg\")
Ethan Brown’s family have written to the Lord Advocate to request a major probe into his death(Image: PA)<\/p>\nThe family of tragic Ethan Brown has called for a fatal accident inquiry to be held after blaming a \u201ccatastrophic grading failure\u201d at the University of Glasgow for the 23-year-old\u2019s death in December last year.Ethan Brown’s family have written to the Lord Advocate to request a major probe into his death(Image: PA)<\/p>\n
Prosecutors are probing the tragic death of a university student<\/a> who took his own life on his graduation day after being wrongly told he\u2019d failed.<\/p>\n The family of Ethan Brown has called for a fatal accident inquiry (FAI) to be held after blaming a \u201ccatastrophic grading failure\u201d at the University of Glasgow for the 23-year-old\u2019s death in December last year.<\/p>\n In a letter to Scotland\u2019s Lord Advocate, lawyers for the family accuse the university of \u201cdeep institutional failings, widespread\u201d and call for \u201cimmediate and transparent action\u201d to avoid further tragedies.<\/p>\n Police<\/a> are now set to interview the family and key members of university staff after the Crown Office confirmed a “re-examination” of his death would take place.<\/p>\n Writing to Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain, family lawyer Aamer Anwar said of the FAI request: \u201cEthan\u2019s mum and family hope that such an inquiry takes place in order that no other student or family have to suffer the consequences of the systematic failures that the University of Glasgow are responsible for.<\/p>\n \u201cMy office has been inundated with calls and messages from current students, former students, and parents, all reporting experiences similar to those of Ethan, including serious grading failures and comparable mistreatment by the University of Glasgow.<\/p>\n “Additionally, I have received communications from individuals within the institution who report having been suspended or silenced after attempting to speak out in support of Ethan and his family, and the corrupt nature of the University. The information provided by these individuals suggest that the University\u2019s handling of such matters reflect deep institutional failings, widespread.<\/p>\n \u201cAlarmingly, some individuals who have contacted my office have disclosed over the phone they, too, have contemplated suicide or have felt suicidal as a result of their treatment by the University. This highlights the gravity of the situation and necessity for immediate and transparent action.\u201d<\/p>\n Ethan\u2019s heartbroken mum Tracy Scott previously told the Record of her horror at finding him dead in his bedroom as they prepared to leave for his big day – three months after Glasgow University told him in error that he did not have the necessary credits to graduate.<\/p>\n A month after his death, his devastated family discovered the geography student had been given the wrong grade and actually achieved a 2:1 honours degree.<\/p>\n Mum Tracy, from Coatbridge, Lanarkshire<\/a>, said she wanted to collect Ethan\u2019s degree on his behalf at a future graduation ceremony and last week university chiefs confirmed the family\u2019s wish would be granted after apologising for the \u201ctragic error\u201d.<\/p>\n She has accused the university of \u201crepeated incompetence\u201d in the months before her son\u2019s death, saying they also failed to act after he reported mental health problems.<\/p>\n The former Coatbridge High School pupil, who had \u201ca smile that would light up the room\u201d, had been due to graduate in June 2024 but the university said an assignment had not been handed in.<\/p>\n Ethan was unable to graduate and the family say the university failed to communicate with him throughout the summer, but he hoped he would be able to graduate in December.<\/p>\n In September, he was told he had not been awarded a grade for one course and would not be eligible to graduate from his honours degree.<\/p>\n He took his own life on December 13 last year.<\/p>\n It was only when Ethan\u2019s aunt asked more questions of the university about his grades that the error came to light.<\/p>\n Tracy said her \u201cclever, hard-working and dedicated\u201d son died \u201cbelieving he\u2019d failed\u201d.<\/p>\n A report from the university\u2019s investigation into the tragedy stated that there had been confusion amongst staff over grading for incomplete honours courses and Ethan had disclosed \u201cdetails of deteriorating health and distress\u201d, which should have been picked up on.<\/p>\n In a statement, the university said it believed Ethan\u2019s case to be \u201cisolated\u201d – despite its review into the tragedy stating it was a \u201csystemic problem\u201d which is \u201ca serious issue for the University\u201d and \u201cmay not be confined\u201d to Ethan\u2019s department.<\/p>\n In a further letter to the university\u2019s new Principal, Andy Schofield, Anwar wrote: \u201cThis is a blatant contradiction, and frankly, a minimisation of the seriousness of what has occurred. The family find it difficult to interpret this as anything other than a shameful attempt to absolve the institution of wider responsibility, and to gaslight a grieving family.<\/p>\n He added: \u201cWe fully support an FAI being held into the circumstances of Ethan\u2019s death. I understand the police are being instructed to attend and take statements from the family and the next stage will be the university staff.<\/p>\n Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.<\/p>\n You’ll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.<\/p>\n No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.<\/p>\n![\"Ethan's](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/0_RTP_SDR_300925_Uni_Suicide_006.jpg\")
Ethan’s mum Tracy with lawyer Aamer Anwar(Image: DAILY RECORD)<\/p>\n![\"Ethan](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/0_JS382909741.jpg\")
Ethan uncle Alan, left, his mother Tracy and stepdad Colin(Image: Reach PLC)<\/p>\n![\"Tragic](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/1_JS382900624.jpg\")
Tragic student Ethan Brown died in December(Image: Reach PLC)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1758085594_118_0_WACOMMUNITYQR3.jpg\")
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