Mother Demands Fatal Accident Inquiry After Student's Death Linked to University Grade Error
The mother of a student who tragically took his own life after being incorrectly informed he could not graduate with an Honours degree has issued a powerful call for a fatal accident inquiry (FAI) into his death. Tracy Scott, mother of 23-year-old Ethan Scott Brown, insists there must be accountability from the University of Glasgow following a damning external report.
Systemic Failures Identified in University Processes
Ms Scott spoke out after a review by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) found there was a "systemic risk to academic standards" within the university's assessment procedures. This report directly contradicts the institution's earlier claims that no systemic failures existed.
"Ethan's not isolated. They try to deny this being systemic, this report says it's systemic," Ms Scott told the BBC. "This is why this will be passed over to the Crown Office – we really need a fatal accident inquiry. We have to safeguard and protect."
Tragic Sequence of Events
Ethan, who studied geography at the University of Glasgow, was due to graduate in December 2024. However, in September of that year, the university notified him that he had not been awarded a grade for one course and would therefore be ineligible to graduate with an Honours degree.
His family believe this devastating news directly contributed to his decision to take his own life on December 13, 2024 – the very day he should have been celebrating his graduation. Ms Scott discovered her son's body in his bedroom early that morning.
Family's Ongoing Campaign for Justice
Represented by legal firm Aamer Anwar & Co, Ethan's family have been persistently urging the Crown Office to launch a formal FAI that would thoroughly scrutinise the circumstances surrounding his death. The Crown Office has confirmed it is currently re-examining the case in light of new information.
"It's still very emotional. We all cry every day. We miss Ethan," Ms Scott admitted. "But we will continue, we're not going away. They have to put changes in place and be held accountable for their incompetence."
University Response and Posthumous Recognition
The University of Glasgow has expressed profound sorrow over Ethan's death. A spokesperson stated: "We are profoundly sorry that Ethan tragically took his own life and understand the deep distress it has caused his family. We offer a sincere apology as well as our deepest sympathy."
The university confirmed it had self-referred to the Scottish Funding Council following an internal investigation and fully accepts the QAA's recommendations. Since February 2025, work has been underway to address the identified issues through a comprehensive implementation plan.
In a poignant ceremony in December 2025, Ms Scott posthumously collected Ethan's geography degree on his behalf. University vice chancellor Professor Andy Schofield acknowledged Ethan's achievements during the event, stating: "We acknowledge his achievements, his hard work, we honour his place in the University of Glasgow story and the enduring impression he leaves behind."
The Crown Office has confirmed that the views of Ethan's next of kin will be sought before any decision is made regarding a fatal accident inquiry, with the family being kept updated throughout the process.
