Attorneys for the family of a Ugandan activist killed by a swinging metal gate at Arches National Park in Utah are seeking $140 million in damages in a wrongful Prosecuting attorney Randi McGinn described the death in gruesome detail and said if Nakajjigos life had not been cut short, she would have gone on to become a non-profit CEO who could eventually have netted an annual income in the hundreds of thousands of dollars or millions. The show saw an audience of 6.3 million each week, and Nakajjigo was named Ugandas Young Personality of the Year.. Petito was found deceased in Wyoming on September 19, 2021, at the Grand Teton National Park. Tragically, the father was pronounced deceased at the scene. And we want to express on behalf of the United States our profound sorrow for your loss," per the newspaper. "We respect the judge's decision and hope this award will help her loved ones as they continue to heal for this tragedy," the statement read. Nakajjigo grew up in Uganda and at 17 was recognized by the United Nations for her work for women shed donated her college tuition money to start a nonprofit community health center that provided free reproductive health services to young women. Trial begins two years after newlywed was beheaded by metal RELATED: Utah teen dies after falling 150 feet while climbing near cliff, police say. Report: Woman decapitated at Arches National Park, $270 CPR was performed on the individual on site. A Torrance couple died and their adult son was injured after the family of three plummeted down a 100-foot slope in Arches National Park in Utah on Friday, Nov. 29, officials said. This story has been shared 167,214 times. The mild temperatures, stunning desert landscapes, and lack of crowds make it an ideal place for peaceful winter camping. WebThe cheapest way to get from Arches National Park to Death Valley National Park costs only $131, and the quickest way takes just 6 hours. "I don't want anyone or any other family to go through what we've been through," Michaud told CBS affiliate KUTV. Capitol Reef National Park - 238 miles. Attorney Randi McGinn, representing Nakajjigo's family, on Monday described the death in gruesome detail. DENVER (CBS4) - The family of a Denver woman has filed a $270 million wrongful death claim against Arches National Park after she was killed there over the Heat-related Arches National Park In October, Nakajjigos husband, Ludovic Michaud, and her parents filed a $270 million wrongful death claim a precursor to a formal lawsuit against the park, alleging that the gate should have been secured to prevent it from swinging into the road. @ArielleHarrison It's known for a series of sculpture-like fins and arches made of an orange sandstone that wind and water have eroded for centuries. / CBS/AP. In the court documents filed in U.S. District Court in Denver, Chang described the gates as the same color as the landscape. The park service previously issued a statement expressing sympathy to Nakajjigos family. Zion National Park - 196 miles. Arches National Park is a 120-square-mile desert landscape near Moab, Utah, that is visited by more than 1.5 million people annually. She was one in a billion, Your Honor, attorney Randi McGinn told the judge, according to FOX 13 Salt Lake City. The gate reportedly smashed through the side of the car and struck Nakajjigo in the neck, killing her. Arches National Park is open 24 hours a day year-round, regardless of the weather. Trial begins over death of Ugandan woman killed in Utah park National Park National For want of an $8 basic padlock, our world lost an extraordinary warrior for good, the claim said. Staying with companions while hiking allows for emergency aid contact, as was the case in this mans tragic death. National Parks Utah (ABC4) Staff members at Arches National Park recovered a deceased body on Saturday, October 1, 2022. Arches National Park WebThe park has over 2,000 natural stone arches, hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive rock fins, and giant balanced rocks. If you do not want us and our partners to use cookies and personal data for these additional purposes, click 'Reject all'. Each area is unique and provides its guests with diverse experiences so it is good to stay in one of these areas or the nearby villages of Valles, Williams, and Tusayan. I want to see hotel recommendations when using Rome2rio They went on a hike and had a picnic, and were driving to get ice cream when the gate swung into their path. Torrance couple killed, adult son injured SALT LAKE CITY The family of human rights activist Esther Nakajjigo, who was decapitated in an accident in Arches National Park, has sued the National Park DENVER -- Ludovic Michaud has notified the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service that he intends to file a wrongful death lawsuit because of a crash at the entrance to Arches National Park that claimed the life of his beloved wife, Esther Nakajjigo. Rangers warned visitors in a tweet to proceed with caution. Its a 3-mile-long, 480-foot climb from the closest parking to see the arch up close. But on June 13, she and her husband needed a break from quarantine and headed toward Arches National Park in Utah. Without warning, a gust of wind apparently dislodged the arm of the metal gate, which swung into the cars path. Travelogue; Things to do in Zion. The mans identity is private as the investigation continues. Arches National Park death In Sequoia National Park, the highlight is seeing the massive redwood trees, some of which may be up to 2,000 national park 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Tuxedo cat named Augustus Gloop is up for adoption, Utah BASE jumper slams into side of mountain. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. She joined the paper in 2019 and previously worked as a crime reporter at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in Pennsylvania and the Chattanooga Times Free Press in Tennessee. She described Nakajjigo as a prominent women's rights activist who rose from poverty to become the host of a solutions-oriented reality television series in Uganda focused on empowering women on issues such as education and healthcare. Apparently when Disneyland says no selfies, they mean it - even if you're a celebrity! Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Winter conditions make for slippery hiking; proceed with caution. An unidentified 60-year-old woman and A third man who fell was airlifted to a local hospital in Moab. A hike through scenic Arches National Park in Moab, Utah, turned deadly for one man on Friday after he collapsed ARCHES NATIONAL PARK, Utah - An investigation is underway after a hiker collapsed and later died at Arches National Park in Utah. 2 Hikers Fall To Their Deaths In Utah's Arches National Park Read more Print length 56 pages Language English Publication date February 22, 2023 Dimensions 4 x 0.13 x 6 inches See all details Product details ASIN : B0BW2HRDBL Michaud, in February, told FOX 13 about the trip to the park. The trail up to Delicate Arch has reopened for use. Where is the National Park Visitor Center? By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. That unique landscape at Badwater Basin occurs because of its distance below sea level at -282 ft. On February 24, park witnesses saw the 71-year-old male collapsing to the ground and becomingunresponsive, Arches (ARCH) officials report. When you are there, you cant help feel that it should be included among the greats. The couple had been married about three months. (KKCO) - The National Park Service announced in a press release that it has identified the body of a woman found in Arches National Park earlier this week. Visiting Arches National Park In March Death Valley National Park is the hottest and driest national park on earth. United States attorneys do not dispute that park officials shouldered blame, but argued the amount the family should be awarded is far less and called into questions the ways in which the damages being sought were calculated. Alongside theNational Park Service, Outsider wants visit to be safe, memorable, enjoyable, and above all: safe. The family Essie Nakajjigo, an activist who died in Arches National Park in 2020, is preparing to head to trial for a wrongful death lawsuit. Gabby Petito's family files amended lawsuit against Moab police Nominate Someone for a FOX 13 Dream Team Surprise! Shes been a reporter since 2012, focused on criminal justice. Delicate Arch is seen at Arches National Park on April 25, 2021, near Moab, Utah. The tragic accident is now the subject of a wrongful death lawsuit Michaud and Nakajjigo's family are pursuing, in which they argue that the U.S. Park Service was negligent and did not maintain the gates at the entrances and exits to the parks, leading to Nakajjigo's death. authenticate users, apply security measures, and prevent spam and abuse, and, display personalised ads and content based on interest profiles, measure the effectiveness of personalised ads and content, and, develop and improve our products and services. "Delicate arch looks like it might fall over at any time. (Athea Trial Lawyers) Esther Nakajjigo is shown in this undated photo. 165. In fact it is the hottest and driest place on earth period. Its known for a series of sculpture-like fins and arches made of an orange sandstone that wind and water have eroded for centuries. A third Californian, a 30-year-old man, also fell and was injured. FOX 13 Investigates: Family sues over death of woman killed in "She was the woman I was trying to spend my life with," said the Parisian who'd moved to the U.S. "Everything was perfect.". Two California visitors fell to their deaths while hiking to the Delicate Arch sandstone formation in Arches National Park. If you would like to customise your choices, click 'Manage privacy settings'. Trial begins over death of Ugandan woman killed at Arches National Park. National Arches National Park This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Luca Galuzzi via Wikimedia Commons. Arches park rangers respond to hundreds of search and rescue incidents (SARs) each year in both Arches and Canyonlands. "For the sake of a padlock and chain, that you have in your garage that is all that would have made a difference in his world," Chang said. A video of the crash shows Michaud was driving and Nakajjigo was in the front passenger seat as they drove toward the gate at about the same speed as other vehicles, according to a sheriffs report. 2023 FOX Television Stations, Film fanatics headed to Luck ranch for Texas Film Hall of Fame, New street drug 'tranq dope,' rots skin, turns humans into 'zombies', Girl Scouts victim of theft in South Austin; no girls injured, San Marcos police searching for hit-and-run suspect; 61-year-old victim still unable to walk, Man charged in shooting death of Officer Andres Vasquez Lasso ordered held without bond, I didnt realize: Woman mistakenly eats heart-shaped chip that could have won her 100K, Giant bug found at an Arkansas Walmart identified as a Jurassic-era insect, Teen musician Dorian 'ZEV' Kweller remembered as uniquely talented, hard-working, Disneyland banned Rebel Wilson over selfie, actress says, Camila Alves McConaughey on Austin flight that 'dropped almost 4,000 feet'; 7 people reportedly hurt, Austin weather: Warmer temps continue into next week, Another US agency assesses COVID-19 origin likely a Chinese 'lab leak': report, FDA approves combination flu-COVID test for home use, Governor Abbott gives 2023 State of the State Address, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson tests positive for COVID-19. While most people have heard of Yosemite and Joshua Tree, this California park doesnt get enough recognition for its beauty. Nakajjigos family will have to show her death was caused by more than negligence, said James C. Kozlowski, an associate professor of recreation management at George Mason University who studies legal issues in the outdoor industry. Denver newlyweds trip to Arches National Park ends with wifes The plaintiffs contend multiple federal policies require such gates to be secured, but that the gate near the visitors center at Arches was unlatched for two weeks before it struck Nakajjigo. Gabby Petito: New Lawsuit Filing Says Brian Laundrie Was an This red-rock wonderland will amaze you with its Natural Bridge in Yoho National Park. Many of these incidents could be avoided with visitors planning and making responsible decisions. WebHet Arches National Park is een klein nationaal park bij Moab in het oosten van de Amerikaanse staat Utah.Er zijn diverse wandelingen (trails) in het park.Ook is er een bezoekerscentrum. A spokeswoman said the single vehicle accident happened June 13 on the entrance road of Arches National Park, near the Visitor's Center, and that the entrance was shut down for several hours. Thanks for contacting us. National Pittsburgh woman missing for 31 years found alive in Puerto Rico, House where JonBent Ramsey was found dead on sale for nearly $7 million. She served as an ambassador for women and girls in her native Uganda, and created a reality TV show to combat early pregnancy and forced marriage. Shelly Bradbury is the courts reporter at the Denver Post. Alerts & Conditions - Arches National Park (U.S. National Park Chang filed the paperwork notifying the National Park Service that a lawsuit will be filed in U.S. District Court in Denver, seeking damages for Ludovic, and for Nakajjigo's mother and father. The area around Delicate Arch was temporarily closed off after the tragedy, but reopened later Friday. Thursday, July 24, 2003 - 5:30am by Lolo. The victim was transported to the Grand County Medical Examiners Office to determine a cause of death. Nakajjigo's younger brother John, who traveled from Uganda to the U.S. to be at the trial, told KUTV that life without his sister has been extremely tough, but he is grateful for the opportunity to be at the trial and also meet Nakajjigo's husband for the first time. You can change your choices at any time by clicking on the 'Privacy dashboard' links on our sites and apps. Death Valley National Park - 366 miles. 1. Hiker collapses, dies at Arches National Park Nakajjigo and Michaud spent June 13, 2020, at Arches National Park in Utah as a way to celebrate their one-year anniversary of when they first met, according to the Associated Press. A woman stands beneath Double Arch in Arches National Park near Moab in Utah. Attorneys for the family of a Ugandan activist killed by a swinging metal gate at Arches National Park in Utah are seeking $140 million in damages in a wrongful death lawsuit against the U.S. government By SAM METZ Associated Press December 5, 2022, 3:24 PM FILE - Delicate Arch is seen at Arches National Park on April 25, 2021, near "I turned my head and saw what I wish I didn't see.". Arches National Park - 332 miles. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. The family Essie Nakajjigo, an activist who died in Arches National Park in 2020, is preparing to head to trial for a wrongful death lawsuit. If you have a story idea or tip for the FOX 13 Investigative unit, please share it with us below: Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. Northern lights captured in Death Valley : r/DeathValleyNP A federal judge awarded more than $10 million to the family of a Ugandan human rights activist who was decapitated while on a visit to Arches National Park in 2020. December 6, 2022 / 9:23 AM Park staff told investigators the gate was usually left unsecured, and that typically the gates own weight kept it in place, so it was not locked in place by any other means. Nakajjigo's husband and parents filed a $270 million administrative claim against the National Park Service in 2021 over her death. "Essie was a remarkable humanitarian and champion for women and girls. The metal pole forming the top of the gate pierced the passenger side of the car and struck Nakajjigo in the head and neck. The park had 3.7 deaths for every 100,000 visitors from 2007 to 2021, more than three times the rate of the next-deadliest site, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Reserve in southern Alaska, according to the data from the National Park Service. He ultimately took his own life at a nearby environmental park. The pole gate pierced the passenger compartment of the couple's rental car, a Chevy Malibu, and decapitated Esther. Esther Nakajjigo, 25, Park rangers said the incident happened Friday when the 71-year-old man from Massachusetts was with his wife and son. The National Park Service has, in fact, known for decades that an unsecured metal pipe gate creates an undetectable hazard and dangerous condition for its park invitees, the claim reads, noting at least three other instances since 1988 in which people in cars were fatally impaled by such gates. It wasnt immediately clear why the three fell. Ludovic said he knows the suit won't bring his beloved wife back, but he wants to make sure the same type of tragic accident doesn't happen to anyone else. As they entered the park on June 13, high winds blew the park entrance gate, a swinging pole, back across the highway. At Arches, you can expect to see animals such as bighorn sheep, mule deer, coyotes, and a variety of bird species such as golden eagles and peregrine falcons. Nakajjigo was a performer who used her celebrity to improve the status of women and girls in Uganda. There, an investigation into the incident is being conducted by the National Park Service and Grand County. They appeared to be hiking together and may have been related, noted the sheriffs statement. Nakajjigo was a Ugandan singer and actress who reportedly did charity work. Yosemite, and Death Valley. A hike through scenic Arches National Park in Moab, Utah, turned deadly for one man on Friday after he collapsed and became unresponsive on the trail. Arches National Park We are grateful that Judge Jenkins honored Essie's life and legacy with this award," Littlepage said in a statement to PEOPLE. A National Park Service spokeswoman declined to comment on the lawsuit Monday. Fourteen people died in North Cascades in those 15 years, when an average of just over 25,000 Photo: Getty Images. "I went from the best time of my life to the worst, in one second," he said. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. "For want of an $8 basic padlock, our world lost an extraordinary warrior for good," the claim said. Then She Was Charged with Murder, Danny Masterson Rape Trial Declared a Mistrial After Jurors Are Unable to Come to Unanimous Verdict, Julie Chrisley Said She Was 'Living in Fear' Ahead of Her and Husband Todd's Sentencing. Ludovic's attorney, Deborah Chang, told Denver7 the entrance gate should have been locked open, and not allowed to swing freely. Denver woman's family awarded $10.5M in Arches National Park