LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB/WKYT) — The former University of Kentucky swim coach settled a sex abuse lawsuit last week filed by two former swimmers.
According to court documents, an order signed by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell Aug. 6 said the two plaintiffs, Briggs Alexander and Jane Doe, resolved all claims against Lars Jorgensen and that all claims against him have been dismissed with prejudice.
The case, filed in 2024, alleges misconduct by Jorgensen and names the university and former athletics director Mitch Barnhart as additional defendants.
Alexander and Doe alleged that Jorgensen subjected them to repeated sexual assaults during and after their time with the UK swim program, and that he created a "toxic, sexually hostile environment within the swim program."
The defendants also said that the university and Barnhart failed to act appropriately in vetting the coach before his hiring, and in responding once allegations were made.
This order, however, does not affect the claims against UK or Barnhart.
Jorgensen served as head coach from 2013 and 2023 and resigned while he was under investigation. He received a $75,000 settlement and was banned from coaching in 2025 by the U.S. Center for SafeSport.
Copyright 2026 WDRB Media and WKYT. All Rights Reserved.
