Student sues MU after falling through grate on campus in 2024

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Someone has sued the University of Missouri after they fell through a grate on campus in 2024 when they were a student.

The attorney for Madison Hankle filed a petition on Monday in Boone County that is suing MU for damages. The university is listed as a defendant along with another person, Silas Schipper Jr., who is described as a student in the lawsuit.

The petition claims Hankle was walking with friends on April 13, 2024, on the sidewalk between the Mizzou Rec Center and Stankowski Field.

Schipper had allegedly opened the grate and it was dark with no signage indicating it was open when Hankle fell through the opening and landed about 15-20 feet below the surface, court documents allege. Court documents allege it would have cost the university fewer than $50 to secure the grate.

The petition alleges Hankle suffered “permanent” injuries. MU is accused of premises liability, while Schipper is accused of negligence.

"We are aware of the claim and expect any statements we have about the matter to be presented in the course of the court proceeding," MU spokesman Christopher Ave wrote in an email to ABC 17 News on Monday.