What started as a normal visit to the gym for a 75-year-old woman turned into a devastating tragedy that’s now become the center of a major legal battle.
Actress Milanka Brooks, known for roles in Benidorm, The Windsors, and Black Mirror, is suing a Cheltenham gym following the heartbreaking loss of her mother, Mileva Brooks, who passed away after collapsing in the sauna.
The Devastating Incident
The shocking event occurred in August 2022 at the Everlast Gym on Henrietta Street, Cheltenham — a facility operated by Sports Direct.
Mileva, a former model and longtime fitness enthusiast, had joined the gym just six months earlier.
On the day of the incident, other gym users noticed something was wrong when she became unresponsive in the sauna and appeared to be struggling to breathe.
She was rushed to the hospital, but sadly died three days later from what was later confirmed to be heatstroke.
Coroner’s Findings and Medical Evidence
A year later, in September 2023, an inquest led by Assistant Coroner Roland Wooderson concluded that Mileva died due to the effects of heatstroke.
Medical responders had found her body temperature at 39.2°C at the time of collapse.
The coroner ruled that she was discovered unresponsive inside the sauna and had clearly suffered from overheating.
Lawsuit Filed by Daughter Over Negligence Claims
Milanka Brooks, now 41, is pursuing legal action against the gym’s operators, seeking up to £100,000 in damages.
She has filed the lawsuit as the administrator of her mother’s estate, citing negligence and personal injury under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976.
Milanka, who often described her mother as her “best friend in the world” and “partner in crime,” believes the gym failed in its duty of care and is holding them accountable for her mother’s untimely death.
Sports Direct Gym Pushes Back
In response to the legal claims, SportsDirect.Com Fitness Ltd has strongly denied any responsibility.
Their legal team has argued that Mileva had a long-standing history of health issues, including substance abuse and conditions that would make sauna use risky.
They claim that traces of lorazepam, an antidepressant, and two epilepsy medications—clobazam and lamotrigine—were found in her system after death.
The gym also pointed to a warning sign displayed outside the sauna that specifically advised people with epilepsy or those under the influence of alcohol or medication to avoid sauna use.
CCTV, Staff Checks, and Defense Strategy
According to court documents, the gym claims a staff member did visually inspect the sauna during the time Mileva was inside but found nothing unusual.
Although CCTV did not cover the inside of the sauna for privacy reasons, video footage shows that she entered at 2:15 p.m. and was lying on a towel in what the gym describes as a “normal position for sauna use.”
At 3:00 p.m., she was still reportedly in the same position. It wasn’t until around 3:15 p.m. that staff were alerted due to concerns about her breathing.
Sports Direct’s defense argues that nothing appeared alarming prior to that and emphasized that users were provided clear guidance on safe sauna use.
They also stated that the sauna was less than a year old and fully functional, with an emergency alarm button available.
Arguments Over Contributory Negligence
The gym’s legal counsel, Natalie Green, also suggested that if the court does find them partially responsible, any awarded damages should be reduced due to Mileva’s own health conditions and alleged failure to follow posted safety instructions.
They maintain that the gym fulfilled its obligations and that Mileva, who suffered from temporal epilepsy, should not have been using the sauna in the first place.
A Daughter’s Grief in the Public Eye
Beyond the courtroom, Milanka has often shared heartfelt messages about her mother on social media, calling her the “light and inspiration of my life.”
She has expressed deep sorrow over the loss and the irreplaceable bond they shared.
The Bigger Picture: Sports Direct’s Everlast Expansion
The Everlast chain is part of Frasers Group, the parent company of Sports Direct.
After acquiring several DW Sports Fitness locations in 2020, the group rapidly expanded, and by the end of 2023, they had close to 60 branches across the UK.
This case, however, has cast a shadow over their reputation, raising questions about safety protocols in gym facilities.
What Happens Next?
A court date for the case has not yet been set, but all eyes will be on the High Court as Milanka Brooks pursues justice for her mother.
Whether the gym’s defense will stand up against her claims remains to be seen.