University could face criminal prosecution over death of student who took his own life after being wrongly told he had failed

Published: 13:39 EDT, 7 October 2026 | Updated: 13:39 EDT, 7 October 2026 The University of Glasgow may face a criminal prosecution over a student who took his own life after being wrongly told he would not be able to graduate.Ethan Scott Brown, 23, was found dead in his bedroom on the graduation day on December 13, 2024 by his mother Tracy Scott.His family have said he took his own life having been mistakenly told weeks earlier he’d failed a course and would not be able to graduate with his geography degree.They have campaigned for a fatal accident inquiry (FAI) and took civil action against the institution although it emerged later this week they’d settled for an undisclosed sum.The family’s lawyer has now said they understand there could be criminal proceedings.Solicitor Aamer Anwar said: ‘We understand that the Lord Advocate is due to meet with the Crown Counsel to decide on a potential criminal prosecution of the University of Glasgow.‘However, the family are clear that a fatal accident inquiry must take place regardless.’Mr Anwar said the family ‘will not give up until there is a legacy of Ethan Brown to ensure that no other student suffers as he did’. Ethan Scott Brown, 23, was found dead in his bedroom of the graduation day on December 13, 2024 The family’s lawyer, Aamer Anwar, has said they understand there could be criminal proceedings over the University of Glasgow's handling of the caseThe comments came after the family met with Education Secretary Mairi McAllan to discuss the tragedy and the university’s handling of the case.Mr Anwar added: ‘Their failures were catastrophic and systemic. They failed not just in their duty of care to Ethan, but to many other students over the years.‘Today’s meeting with the minister was important and was welcomed. The minister offered to ask the QAA (Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education), who are investigating the university, to meet with the family.‘The family welcomed the apology by Ms McAllan for her predecessor’s statement in September 2025 which implied an acceptance of the university’s position that Ethan’s case was an isolated incident.’The solicitor said the university’s governance process is ‘not fit for purpose’ and went on: ‘The minister has promised to investigate the wrong assurances that the university has given them.‘The Government has been asked to also look at all Scottish universities and to see how big a problem there is.’ Ethan Scott Brown's family met with Education Secretary Mairi McAllan to discuss the tragedyMs Scott, who later collected her son’s degree posthumously, has called for an FAI to be held into his death.The university has said it is ‘profoundly sorry’ and is implementing a series of recommendations following a review.Earlier this week a spokesman said: ‘The university is profoundly sorry that Ethan tragically took his own life and fully understands the deep distress this has caused his family.‘We repeat our sincere apology as well as our deepest sympathy.‘Following an internal investigation into assessment regulations, the university self-referred to the Scottish Funding Council.‘The quality assurance agency subsequently carried out a targeted peer review, which resulted in a series of recommendations for action.‘The university fully accepted the recommendations and is on track to implement them.’■ For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org