The Baer Law Firm Hired to Investigate Medical Events Leading to the Death of a High School Football Player

On October 1, 2024, Finley Kruchten collapsed after football practice and died several days later at Northside Hospital Gwinnett from a pulmonary embolism – blood clots in his lungs. A senior at Denmark High School in Forsyth County, Finley was a standout All-Region offensive lineman recruited to play college football. He was also an honors student with a 3.7 GPA.

In the months preceding his collapse, Finley had developed a cough that progressed to shortness of breath and other concerning symptoms. He sat out his last game and practices, including his final practice. His family was aware that he was Factor V Leiden positive, which makes a person more prone to clotting.  The family reported this condition to his physicians. Despite numerous medical visits throughout the summer and early fall, none of Finley’s doctors connected his symptoms to a potential pulmonary embolism or appeared to fully appreciate the severe clotting risk posed by his Factor V condition.

Finley’s death resonated across the community and drew broader public attention to pulmonary embolism in young athletes. The Baer Law Firm is conducting a careful investigation into the medical care Finley received before his collapse. At this stage, the investigation remains ongoing, and the focus is on securing answers for the Kruchten family while honoring Finley’s life, work ethic, and future that was cut short.

To learn more about Finley’s legacy and impact, please review the news stories linked below.

1. https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/forsyth-county/ga-high-school-football-player-dies-after-suffering-massive-pulmonary-embolism-family-says/FWG54QWW6ZFH5LPLB6LB5TOKI4/
2. https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/denmark-high-school-football-player-pulmonary-embolism-organ-donation
3. https://www.forsythnews.com/sports/football/denmark-football-honors-Finley-Kruchten-during-signing-ceremony/
4. https://x.com/Finley_Kruchten
5. https://www.maxpreps.com/ga/alpharetta/denmark/athletes/finley-kruchten/?careerid=mf7ug8trj2rbb
6. https://ll74.org/about
7. https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/mother-champions-awareness-pulmonary-embolisms-young-athletes
8. https://www.forsythnews.com/life/people/a-year-after-finley-kruchtens-death-his-family-is-turning-grief-into-action-to-help-other-kids/
9. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Z1Vsq5t618
10. https://www.instagram.com/p/DA6r6UPycxu/
11. https://www.mykeeper.com/FinleyKruchten
12. https://www.facebook.com/forsythcountynews/posts/remembering-finley-kruchten-the-father-of-the-denmark-football-player-who-passed/1108026421325968/

Bryan Baer

Attorney Bryan Baer has twenty (20) years of legal experience representing clients in serious and serious personal injury and medical malpractice cases. He has been first chair in more than a dozen twelve-person jury trials on both the plaintiff and defense sides. Recognized as a leader in his legal community, he is frequently asked to speak at legal seminars on trial topics ranging from “Best Practices in Voire Dire” to “Maximizing Damages at Trial” as well as insurance issues such as “Navigating the Insurance Landscape” and “Injury Demands & Negotiations.” Learn more here.