Prosecutors to investigate death of Glasgow university student who took life after grade error

Prosecutors are to investigate the death of a Glasgow student who took his own life after a grading error.

Ethan Brown was due to graduate in December 2024 after studying geography at the University of Glasgow.

However, his family said that in September 2024, the 24-year-old had been informed by the university that he had not been awarded a grade for one course, meaning he would not be eligible to graduate with an Honours degree.

They said that as a result, he went on to take his own life on December 13, 2024 – the day he should have been graduating – and was found dead by his mother, Tracy Scott, early that morning.

An internal investigation following his death found that he was awarded the wrong grade due to an error by the university and should, in fact, have graduated with a 2:1 Honours degree.

The Crown Office have now confirmed a “re-examination” of his death will take place, the result of which will determine if a discretionary FAI will be held.

A spokesperson for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal said: “The circumstances of Ethan Brown’s death are being re-examined in light of new information.

“The family have been informed and will be kept updated.”

‘No support’

Ethan’s family, from Coatbridge in North Lanarkshire, said that the University of Glasgow “failed” their son and “he took his life as a result”.

At a press conference held outside Blythswood Square in Glasgow last week, Mrs Scott said that Ethan reported difficulties with his mental health to the university, and no support was offered.

The family also believe there has been a “systemic failure” at the university and are calling for answers about whether other students at the university are affected and may have been wrongly told they failed.

Writing to Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain, Aamer Anwar, representing the family, said: “We understand from the Crown due to the issues raised by Ethan Brown’s family, they are carrying out an investigation with the view to holding a discretionary Fatal Accident Inquiry.

“Ethan’s mum and family hopes that such an inquiry takes place in order that no other student or family have to suffer the consequences of the systematic and catastrophic failures that the University of Glasgow stand accused of.

“The university’s internal inquiry in February 2025 which was disclosed to the family found “systematic” errors in the way in which Ethan’s degree had been graded, outlining a serious breakdown in understanding of academic regulations, a lack of proper systems and safeguards, and significant communication failures.

“Most importantly, the report states unequivocally that these issues were “systemic” in nature, however Ethan’s family feel like the University is now in denial following the press conference last week.

“Since our press conference on Tuesday 30 September, my 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.

“Alarmingly, 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.”

A University of Glasgow spokesperson told STV News the institution has undertaken a “thorough review” of its academic and wellbeing policies and practices following Ethan’s death.

The statement said it was profoundly sorry for the events which had occurred.

A statement read: “We are profoundly sorry that this terrible event occurred and understand the deep distress it has caused Ethan’s family.

“The principal has indicated to the family’s lawyers that he would be willing to have another meeting with the family to express his sympathies and discuss the actions taken by the university.”

Education secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “I cannot begin to imagine the impact this tragedy has had on Ethan Brown’s family and friends.

“On behalf of everyone in the Scottish Government, I want to extend our deepest sympathies to them on their loss.

“I welcome the statement issued by the University of Glasgow and note the outcome of their investigation into the circumstances which led to this tragedy.

“It will be important for all our institutions and the SFC to consider any measures they might take to prevent a similar situation arising again in future.”

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Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org