Upchurch v. New York Times Co.

Harwell, Chief Justice:

This is an action for intentional infliction of emotional distress. Appellants Freda Upchurch, Jimmy Upchurch, Kevin Upchurch, Chase Upchurch, Dee Dee Upchurch Allen, and Michelle Upchurch Woods appeal a directed verdict in favor of respondents The New York Times Company, d/b/a Spartan-burg Herald, and Ralph Grier, a reporter for the Spartanburg Herald. We affirm.

I. FACTS

On August 18,1986, Bodie Upchurch, the son and brother of appellants, was lifting weights of the Gaffney YMCA. He began feeling unwell and decided to discontinue his workout. A short while later, while…