A little over a year after his 17-year-old Julius passed away from a severe asthma attack, former NFL star Brady Poppinga has filed a lawsuit against the hospital that treated the teen.
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According to the legal documents, which TMZ obtained, Poppinga accused multiple physicians at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center of not properly caring for his son.
The former football player and his wife, Brooke, claimed they brought Julius to the hospital on Aug. 27, 2023, while he was experiencing chest pains and breathing issues.
By Aug. 29, Julius was “in and out of consciousness” as he fought to breathe. At one point, the teen woke up, tearful and afraid, while yelling to Brooke that he thought he “was going to die.”
Brady and Brooke Poppinga alleged one of the doctors treating Julius “negligently and wrongfully concluded” that the teen was having a panic attack and prescribed him some medication. Julius died shortly after the medication was administered on Aug. 31.
Brady announced his son’s death in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “I would like to thank EVERYONE for their unbelievably beautiful, sweet, and loving compassion sent our way. Julius is a special soul who has touched so many lives. He is missed, but we KNOW that through the Savior, we will see him and be with him again.”
Julius’ autopsy revealed that he had died from pulmonary embolism.
The Poppingas are now suing the hospital for wrongful death due to medical negligence. They are asking for unspecified damages.
Julius is the only son of Brady and Brooke Poppinga. The couple also has three daughters.
Brady and Brooke Poppinga Spoke About the Heartache Following Julius’ Death
Months after Julius’ unexpected passing, Brady and Brooke Poppinga opened up about the heartache of losing the teen.
“It’s challenging, you know, when you lose Julius, and you have to deal with that loss,” the former NFL star explained in a May 2024 interview. “It just creates a whole other element of, you could call it just pain and bitterness, and a lot of longing to want to be with them that has to mix in with your life because life has to move forward.”
Brooke then described Julius as a joyful and very compassionate human being. “He always was, really, even from a very, very young age.”
Brady and Brooke Poppinga also said they have turned to their faith, family, and friends amid their grief. They added that the family is closer than ever.