Judge Ordered Cleveland to Release Cadet Death Records

The city has three weeks to provide documentation regarding the death of a fire cadet during a training exercise.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Law Enforcement

Judge Ordered Cleveland to Release Cadet Death Records

A judge has ordered the City of Cleveland to produce records concerning the death of 39-year-old fire cadet Symeon Williams within three weeks. Williams died on May 16, 2025, during a physical fitness session, and the city is now facing a court-mandated deadline to disclose relevant files.

Why it matters

The order follows a lawsuit filed by Terri Simpson, who alleges that Williams was subjected to hazing, while the city cites administrative confusion for initial delays in record production.

A judge has set a three-week deadline for the City of Cleveland to turn over investigative records after internal administrative errors hampered the initial request. The city maintains that no video of the incident exists, though a court-ordered IT expert will investigate the potential overwriting of camera footage.

The players

Symeon Williams

He was a 39-year-old fire cadet who died during a physical fitness session.

Terri Simpson

She is the plaintiff who filed a lawsuit alleging that Williams was subjected to hazing.

Timothy McCormick

He is the judge presiding over the case at the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas.

City of Cleveland

This is the municipal government agency currently tasked with producing investigative records related to the fire department.

The details

Judge Timothy McCormick requested testimony from an IT expert after city attorneys stated that security camera footage of the incident might have been overwritten. The city claims that the delay in providing documents stemmed from the request being directed to the risk management department rather than the fire department, further complicated by its inclusion with unrelated requests.

Symeon Williams died during a training session on May 16, 2025.
A judge ordered the city to produce records on October 14, 2026.
The deadline for the city to produce the records is November 4, 2026.
Both sides are scheduled to appear in court for a hearing on November 12, 2026.

Legal Context

This case reflects broader judicial efforts to mandate transparency in municipal record-keeping within the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas. The proceedings follow a pattern of court intervention when administrative confusion between city departments leads to significant delays in compliance.

The ongoing legal battle underscores the importance of administrative accountability for city agencies serving local residents. The upcoming testimony from an IT expert may clarify how security data is managed and preserved within city-owned facilities.

The takeaway

The case highlights the critical importance of clear administrative workflows when citizens request access to government records. Transparency remains a central issue for local residents when city agencies struggle to locate documentation following sensitive incidents.