A legal case has emerged in the UK involving television actress Milanka Brooks, known for her roles in popular sitcoms and critically acclaimed series, who is suing SportsDirect.Com Fitness Ltd for damages up to £100,000. The lawsuit comes after the tragic death of her mother, Mileva Brooks, who suffered from heatstroke after using the sauna facilities at an Everlast gym in Cheltenham in August 2022.

Mileva Brooks, a 75-year-old former model, collapsed while in the sauna, prompting immediate action from other gym patrons who alerted staff. She was subsequently rushed to hospital but passed away three days later. The coroner’s inquest, held in September 2023, found that she had died from the effects of heatstroke, indicating a body temperature of 39.2 degrees centigrade upon the arrival of paramedics.

Milanka Brooks, aged 41 and a graduate of drama school, has enjoyed a notable career in television. She gained prominence in the early 2000s with her role in the award-winning BBC1 sitcom "My Family" and has appeared in other series such as "Benidorm" and "The Windsors." Brooks also featured in a notable episode of the anthology series "Black Mirror," contributing to her reputation in the entertainment industry.

Following the inquest, Brooks is now seeking compensation as the administratrix of her mother's estate under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976. According to the court documents, she claims damages "in excess of £50,000, but limited to £100,000," for both "personal injury and consequential losses."

Milanka has publicly shared the deep bond she had with her mother, often referring to Mileva as her "best friend in the world," "light and inspiration of my life," and her "partner in crime." These sentiments reflect the close relationship they maintained until Mileva's untimely death.

The Everlast gym involved in the incident is part of a chain owned by Frasers Group, which acquired several locations, including those of DW Sports Fitness, in 2020. As of late 2023, the Everlast Gym brand operates nearly 60 branches across the United Kingdom, catering to a broad clientele seeking fitness options.

This case highlights critical issues regarding safety and health protocols in gym environments, particularly with respect to sauna usage.

Source: Noah Wire Services