Castroll, Jacob

Applicant, the widow of deceased deputy Jacob Castroll, sought reconsideration of a WCJ's May 15, 2024 Findings of Fact and Order that found the decedent did not sustain a compensable industrial injury and that his death-causing injury, arising from participation in a voluntary off-duty athletic activity, was barred by Labor Code section 3600(a)(9). Applicant argued under Ezzy v. WCAB that the decedent subjectively and objectively reasonably believed his off-duty exercise was expected by his employer. The Board granted reconsideration via an interim order and encouraged mediation, after which the parties reached a proposed Compromise and Release. To expedite settlement review, the Board rescinded the WCJ's decision and returned the matter to the trial level for consideration of the C&R, expressly declining to rule on the merits.