Cleveland Fire Cadet Died after Racial Hazing, Suit Claims
CLEVELAND, Ohio — A Cleveland Fire cadet died after being hazed because of his race and age during his academy training, his family said in a lawsuit.
On Thursday, Terri Simpson filed a suit in Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas saying the city and a fire lieutenant are liable for the death of her brother Symeon Williams, Sr., a 39-year-old father of two.
The suit, filed by attorney Keith Hansbrough, said the hazing “stemmed from racial animus” against Black firefighters and Williams being older than other cadets.
On May 16, 2025, Symeon Williams collapsed after suffering a fatal medical emergency during a physical fitness session.
The lawsuit does not detail the specifics of the hazing, but says he was required to do extra physical activity without proper hydration, rest or food. Williams was subjected to other forms of hazing that were “designed to humiliate and/or demean him,” the suit said.
A City of Cleveland spokesperson did not address the allegations of hazing, but expressed condolences for Williams’ death, calling it “a profound loss for the city.”
“This medical emergency was heartbreaking for his family, friends, fellow cadets, and everyone else who knew how caring, selfless and compassionate Symeon truly was,” the city said in a statement. “Unforeseen medical emergencies, like this one, are tragedies that cause immense sorrow – which is why Mayor Bibb, Safety Director Drummond, and other city officials all immediately rushed to the hospital to offer their support to his family and friends the night this occurred."
Williams was a former EMT and small business owner who liked motorcycles and working out, according to the National Fallen Firefighters Association (sic). In addition to his two children, Williams was also a father figure to his niece and two nephews.
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