Gerald Gray was a Commander Master Chief for the Atlantic Fleet in the Navy from 1951 until retiring in 1971 and becoming a school teacher. 37 years later Gray was diagnosed with the Asbestos related cancer, Mesothelioma.

Gray’s family members received $1.2 million from John Crane, Inc for Gray’s death. The jury had planned on awarding the family $4 million, but four out of the five defendant companies chose to settle outside of the courtroom, lowering the amount that the court could reward the family publicly.

During his time in the Navy, Gray was exposed to asbestos, and the John Crane company was held partially responsible for Gray’s Mesothelioma diagnosis. John Crane manufacturers asbestos-containing gaskets and other materials for ships.