RENO, Nev. (AP) — The state of Nevada has agreed to pay $93,000 to settle a wrongful death suit filed by the family of a 27-year-old U.S. Army veteran who was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder when he hanged himself in prison last year.
The Nevada Department of Corrections also has agreed to implement new suicide training for all employees, with special emphasis on combat veterans.
The widow and parents of John Morse IV of Reno filed the suit in April seeking $800,000 in damages from the state, a psychologist, and psychiatrist.
The state initially offered $25,000, but later agreed to pay $92,500 to the family and $500 for a plaque or memorial.
Morse's father told The Associated Press the most important part of the settlement is the establishment of separate prison training to improve sensitivity to veterans with PTSD.