Ex-NFL Star Shawne Merriman Ordered to Pay $4 Million in Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Retired NFL star Shawne Merriman has been ordered to pay $4 million alongside three co-defendants following a wrongful death civil suit related to the 2017 overdose death of Kimberly Fattorini, a former Playboy employee. A Los Angeles jury found Merriman and the others liable in a 2025 ruling, according to court documents.

Fattorini's death was ruled accidental by the coroner, who found alcohol, cocaine, and GHB in her system. Her parents originally filed suit against Merriman and the other defendants in 2019, alleging Fattorini was drugged and possibly sexually assaulted before her death. The defendants have denied any wrongdoing.

The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County, stated that Fattorini texted someone to report her drink had been spiked with GHB. A witness reportedly saw Merriman at co-defendant Eli Wehbe's house, where Fattorini and others were socializing, with a bottle that appeared to contain liquid.

After the group moved to another apartment, Fattorini's friend discovered her unresponsive. Paramedics found her with unzipped jeans, a twisted bra, and blue lips. The complaint alleged that Merriman stated his concern about media attention due to his celebrity status and left the scene between the time of the 911 call and the paramedics' arrival.

Merriman, a first-round NFL draft pick, was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2005 and made the All-Pro First Team in 2006. His career was later impacted by a violation of the NFL's steroid policy and subsequent injuries.