David Gibson hospitalized, 'path to recovery is not looking good'

OBERLIN -- David Gibson, co-owner of Gibson's Bakery, was hospitalized last week as he continues to fight pancreatic cancer that was diagnosed last year, the bakery announced on its Facebook page. "As many of you know, Dave has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. While he has continued to fight through multiple treatments and surgeries, Dave was admitted to the hospital in very serious condition last Tuesday," according to the post. "Although he is fighting valiantly, his path to recovery is not looking good. As we continue to hope and pray, please know that Dave and our family are thankful for your love, support, and prayers." David Gibson announced his cancer diagnosis in a video posted on the bakery's Facebook page in August. Oberlin College has been aware of the diagnosis since February but both sides agreed not to bring it up at the trial this spring. He said at the time he believed Oberlin College was waiting for him and his elderly father, Allyn "Grandpa" Gibson, to die. The college, in a statement released after David Gibson announced his diagnosis, wished him well. Oberlin College President Carmen Twillie Ambar said in a statement, "We send heartfelt thoughts to the entire Gibson's family during this most difficult time." The college would not be off the hook for the judgment if either David Gibson or his father dies before the case is resolved. A legal expert told The Chronicle-Telegram the $25 million judgment and $6.5 million in attorney fees awarded the Gibsons after the trial would revert to David Gibson's estate if he were to die. A jury awarded David and Allyn Gibson and the bakery more than $44 million in damages from Oberlin College following a six-week trial in Lorain County Common Pleas Court this spring. That award later was reduced by Judge John Miraldi, based on state law that caps damage awards in civil cases. Oberlin College announced last week it would appeal the verdict in the case, which resulted from student protests over the arrest of a student for shoplifting and assaulting a member of the Gibson family who was working at the store in November 2016. The Gibsons and the bakery accused the college and a top college official, Meredith Raimondo, of libeling the bakery and the Gibson family by calling them racist, interfering with the bakery's business and intentionally inflicting emotional distress, and the jury found in favor of the family and the bakery. Contact Dave O'Brien at (440) 329-7129 or dobrien@chroniclet.com. Follow him at @daveobrienCT on Twitter.