arches national park gate death video

WebEsther Nakajjigo was killed at Utahs Arches National Park when a metal pipe from a swinging gate decapitated her. WebThe United States will pay family members of a Ugandan human rights activist who was killed in a 2020 accident at Arches National Park more than $10 million in damages, a federal Michaud is asking for more than $220 million in damages for wrongful death, and $20 million in damages for personal injury. National Park Trademark and Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. On October 22, Michaud filed a wrongful death claim against the US National Parks Service seeking $270million in damages. Newlyweds Esther Essie Nakajjigo, 25, and Ludovic Ludo Michaud, 27, were driving out of the park during a camping trip on June 13 when strong winds blew the metal gate into the side of their car and penetrated it like a hot knife through butter, according to the administrative claim, which was filed in October. Michaud and Nakajjigo met over a dating app while they both had recently arrived in the Denver area. For want of an $8.00 basic padlock, our world lost an extraordinary warrior for good; a young woman influencer who was destined to become our societys future Princess Diana, Philanthropist Melinda Gates or Oprah Winfrey, according to the claim, which is a precursor to a formal lawsuit. She and Michaud were married in March, and the two traveled to Arches to celebrate the one-year anniversary of when they first met on a dating app. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. By the time Nakajjigo left Uganda to pursue a fully-funded leadership course in Denver, she had raised enough money to build health care facilities in her hometown. I think thats what they meant to show but I could be wrong Denver woman Esther "Essie" Nakajjigo and her husband, Ludovic "Ludo" Michaud, were visiting Arches National Park in mid-June when a freak accident left Nakajjigo dead. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. Michaud says he wants to keep her legacy going, but he also wants the gates at National Parks and forests across the U.S. to be safe for visitors. Delicate Arch is seen at Arches National Park on April 25, 2021, near Moab, Utah. Passionate about international politics and world affairs, hes an avid traveler with a keen interest in the connections between South Asia and the United States. future Oprah or Princess Diana Newlyweds Esther Essie Nakajjigo, 25, and Ludovic Ludo You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! ", "Such metal pipe gates have been known to move when left unsecured, swing to the traveled part of the roadways, and penetrate into vehicles," the claim argues. "The NPS have a duty to reasonably inspect, operate, and maintain these gates and guard against foreseeable dangers," the claims says. There was less than a second between when the gate started to move and when it struck the car and killed Nakajjigo, according to the report. The trial over a wrong death lawsuit of a Ugandan activist has begun. Suspect arrested after 6 stabbed in downtown L.A. 3 arrested for nearly $1 million in stolen student, Carjacking suspect shot in wild chase in L.A. County, Newport Beach home dangling after cliffside collapse, Over $38M stolen from low-income SoCal families, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. More Videos Next up in 5 Opening statements previewed how the trial will hinge less on varying accounts of the accident and instead focus on Nakajiigo's biography and earning potential, which is used to calculate a portion of the damages. Chief Ranger Scott Brown said a 65-year-old man and 60-year-old woman died after falling into the bowl area near Delicate Arch. No An official form of the United States government. I'm still struggling with that," Michaud said. She received numerous other humanitarian awards and created a popular reality television series aimed at empowering young mothers. A YOUNG activist hailed as a "future Princess Diana or Oprah" for her work was decapitated in a gruesome accident while she and her husband were hiking in Arches National Park. "Our mission is to make sure this doesnt happen again," Michaud said. A newlywed couples road trip to Arches National Park in Utah ended in tragedy when a metal gate at the park exit swung across the road and decapitated the 25-year-old woman as she rode in a car. They headed to Arches National Park as soon as the park reopened in June from its coronavirus shutdown. They were married in March 2020 and headed to Arches on a belated honeymoon as soon as the park reopened from its coronavirus shutdown. However, she eventually became the host of a solutions-oriented reality television series in Uganda, which emphasized womens empowerment, educational attainment, and equitable access to health care. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. Image via Wikimedia Commons via Flickr/user: Brian Turner. She was decapitated. Ludovic Michaud and Essie Nakajjigo (credit: Ludovic Michaud), Denver Woman Decapitated By Gate: Family Files $270M Wrongful Death Claim Against Arches National Park. Her family is filing a $270 million wrongful death claim against the park, saying her death was preventable. WebEsther Nakajjigo died on June 13 after a metal gate swung into a car she and her husband were in and sliced het head off Credit: Handout. Newlywed killed by swinging gate at Arches National Park According to CBS News, neither the U.S. government nor the Nakajjigo family disputed the facts of the claim. Arches National Park, notes CBS News, had just re-opened recreation following a decrease in coronavirus cases. In opening statements Monday in Salt Lake City, attorneys representing Michaud and Nakajjigo's family said they were seeking $140 million in damages from the government. Nakajjigo was involved in countless philanthropic endeavors. Esther Nakajjigo, 25, tragically died on June 13 after a metal gate swung into the car she and her 26-year-old husband Ludovic Michaud were driving as they exited the parking lot of the Utah landmark. The National Park Service did not respond to an email seeking comment, and the media relations voicemail inbox was full and could not accept messages. Two peopledied Friday while hikinginArches National Park in Utah. In an email to The Associated Press, National Park Service spokeswoman Vanessa Lacayo expressed sympathy for Nakajjigos family, friends and those whose lives she touched but did not address the wrongful death claim. WebEsther Nakajjigo and Ludovic Michaud at Arches National Park in eastern Utah. Ryan studied neuroscience and has spent the last several years working as an operations manager in transportation logistics. DENVER (CBS4) - The family of a woman killed while visiting Arches National Park is hoping they can change the dangerous conditions that lead to her death and continue the philanthropy she inspired around the globe. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Family photo. National Park A gust of wind apparently dislodged the arm of the metal gate, which swung across the roadway. WebThe family of a womens rights activist who was killed in a gruesome accident at a national park is suing a US agency over her tragic death. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. NEW YORK POLICE SERGEANT FATALLY STRUCK IN WRONG-WAY CRASH. Drop us a note at tips@coloradosun.com. WebIn 2020, Ludovic Michaud was driving with his 25-year-old wife Esther Nakajjigo out of Utah's Arches National Park to get ice cream on June 13 when a metal gate swung into the car "Despite this fact, the NPS has done nothing to ensure the safety of its visitors and guests.". A 30-year-old man who also fell was hospitalized; his current condition is unknown. RELATED: Denver Woman Decapitated By Gate: Family Files $270M Wrongful Death Claim Against Arches National Park "She really loved the Denver vibe and so do I. The park which has over 2000 arches that Nakajjigo gained national attention in Uganda and created a reality TV show that helped child mothers stay in school and develop life skills, according to the claim. She's been a reporter since 2012, focused on criminal justice, breaking news and enterprise. She married Michaud in March, just as COVID-19 was starting to make U.S. headlines. Esther Nakajjigo died on June 13 after a metal gate swung into a car she and her husband were in and sliced het head off Credit: Handout. "It could have happened to anyone and if nothing is done, it's going to happen again," he said. Park staff told investigators that the gates own weight usually kept it in place, according to a report from the Grand County sheriffs office. The claim says the gate was left open and unrestrained, causing major damage to the hood and the front passenger fender, door and window. We are unapologetic in our dedication to informing the public and unafraid to call out those who are more focused on profits than peoples safety. WebUSA TODAY 0:00 0:49 Two people died Friday while hiking in Arches National Park in Utah. "The National Park Service has, in face, known for decades that an unsecured metal pipe gate creates an undetectable hazard and dangerous conditions," says the claim. Esther Nakajjigo, 25, died on June 13, 2020 when she, along with her new husband Ludovic Michaud, visited Utah. He told NBC that the harrowing accident has left him traumatized, and he continues to suffer from PTSD months after. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Listen online or download the iHeart App. Legal Reader is devoted to protecting consumers. NBC reported that he was flown to Moab Regional Hospital. Legal Statement. 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.