"I turned my head and saw what I wish I didn't see.". national park The lawsuit alleges that a simple $8 padlock could have prevented the gate from swinging, and claims the park violated regulations, CBS Colorado reported. death At this time, I do not have more information to share.". 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. I ended her life, he reportedly wrote in October 2021. Out in this vast, challenging desert, location and rescue can take hours even days. 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 While most people have heard of Yosemite and Joshua Tree, this California park doesnt get enough recognition for its beauty. A video tribute to his wife showed her talking about her name, in an earlier recording. 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. 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. National What awaited them there was as awful as it was unthinkable. On Sept. 1, Laundrie returned to his parents' home in Florida alone. Of the accidents aftermath, Michaud told FOX 13: I saw the worst thing I hope I will ever see.. This red-rock wonderland will amaze you with its 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. He noted she had recently worked as a host at a restaurant around the time of her death and didn't have a Bachelor's degree. 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. Visiting Arches National Park In March She said entrance gates should be locked into place whether they are open or closed. She said there was nothing that visually set them apart. The incident will remain under investigation by the Grand County Sheriffs Office as well as the National Park Service, the outlet cites. Didn't even get to touch lava." She could lift mountains, basically, in her own way. McGinn said if her life hadn't been cut short that Nakajjigo's trajectory suggested she would have gone on to become a nonprofit CEO who could eventually have netted an annual income in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, or even millions. FOX 13 reported earlier this year how Nakajjigo died June 13, 2020. "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. Arches National Park is open 24 hours a day year-round, regardless of the weather. The family's lawsuit claims when the national parks reopened in April 2020 after being shuttered due to COVID-19, rangers at the national park in Utah didn't secure the gate in place, which in effect "turned a metal pipe into a spear that went straight through the side of a car, decapitating and killing Esther Nakajjigo.". Arches National Park (U.S. National Park Service) National First responders arrived on the scene and performed CPR before the man was pronounced dead. Heat-related National Park An unidentified 60-year-old woman and 65-year-old man were killed in the fall Friday into the lower bowl area next to the iconic arch, according to a statement from the Grand County Sheriffs Office in Moab, Utah. WebFurnace Creek Campground Death Valley National Park Winter is the best time of year to camp at Furnace Creek Campground in Death Valley National Park. The pole gate pierced the passenger compartment of the couple's rental car, a Chevy Malibu, and decapitated Esther. He was airlifted to Moab Regional Hospital. She was also the brains behind two reality TV shows that aimed to empower young mothers and encourage girls to stay in school. 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. Ludovic Michaud was driving around the scenic red rock landscapes of Utah's Arches National Park on a windy spring day in 2020 when something unthinkable happened: A metal gate whipped around, sliced through the passenger door of his car and decapitated his new 25-year-old wife, Esther "Essie" Nakajjigo. This story has been shared 144,788 times. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. A woman stands beneath Double Arch in Arches National Park near Moab in Utah. Sadly, deaths are not uncommon in the park. Petito was found deceased in Wyoming on September 19, 2021, at the Grand Teton National Park. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. U.S. National Parks: 10 Spots That Are A Photographer's Dream "Delicate arch looks like it might fall over at any time. National Parks Arches National Park A man has died after collapsing to the ground while hiking in Arches National Park. Wake up to the day's most important news. Here are our favorites. A family hike in Arches National Park ended in tragedy as a Massachusetts father collapsed while exploring with his wife and son. 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. Two California visitors fell to their deaths while hiking to the Delicate Arch sandstone formation in Arches National Park. To plan the safest and most enjoyable Arches trip, see our full overview of the national park here. First responders from several agencies, including the National Park Service and the sheriffs department, arrived on the scene and attempted to perform CPR, but they could not prevent the mans untimely death. He said he didn't deny Nakajjigo was an extraordinary person, but argued it was difficult to speculate what kind of work she would have gone on to do. Esther The following month, the medical examiner in Sarasota County determined he died from a single gunshot wound to the head, self-inflicted. WebFactors that make Arches National Park sensitive to visitor damage include being a semiarid region, the scarce, unpredictable rainfall, lack of deep freezing, and lack of plant litter, which results in soils that have both a low resistance to and slow recovery from, compressional forces such as foot traffic. 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. Find out more about how we use your personal data in our privacy policy and cookie policy. A man has died after collapsing to the ground while hiking in Arches National Park. 71-Year-Old Man Collapses, Dies During Arches 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Tuxedo cat named Augustus Gloop is up for adoption, Utah BASE jumper slams into side of mountain. 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. The newlyweds were on their drive out with Nakajjigo in the passenger seat when a strong wind pushed the park's entrance gate into the road, and sliced through their rental car "like a hot knife through butter," the claim said, according to the AP. "It could have happened to the people in front of us, or behind us," he said. 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. 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. (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. A third Californian, a 30-year-old man, also fell and was injured. Alex Murdaugh sentenced to life in prison for murders of wife and son, Biden had cancerous skin lesion removed last month, doctor says, White supremacist and Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes kicked out of CPAC, Tom Sizemore, actor known for "Saving Private Ryan" and "Heat," dies at 61, Biden team readies new advisory panel ahead of expected reelection bid, House Democrats unhappy with White House handling of D.C.'s new criminal code, Vast majority of U.S. homes are unaffordable to the average buyer. 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. Its known for a series of sculpture-like fins and arches made of an orange sandstone that wind and water have eroded for centuries. Esther "Essie" Nakajjigo's husband Ludovic Michaud will receive $9.5 million while her mother Christine Namagembe will receive $700,000, according to the judgment filed in federal court. Nakajjigo was a humanitarian who had won numerous awards and recognition for her work. 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. Trial begins two years after newlywed was beheaded by metal 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 newlyweds trip to Arches National Park ends with wifes Arches National Park Man collapses, suddenly dies hiking in Arches National Petito was found deceased in Wyoming on September 19, 2021, at the Grand Teton National Park. The couple had been married about three months. She received multiple honors for her humanitarian work and was attending a leadership program in Bolder, Colorado, at the time of her death. She reportedly moved to Colorado for a social entrepreneurship program at the Watson Institute in Boulder. The couple hiked to Delicate Arch and ate lunch in the Windows area before starting their drive out of the park. WebArches National Park and Death Valley National Park are both home to a variety of unique and diverse wildlife. One area visitor responding to the Facebook post by the sheriff said there were extremely strong winds near the arch. WebArches National Park has a busy search and rescue operation. Arches National Park Rep. Andy Biggs to challenge Kevin McCarthy for GOP House Canadian teacher with size-Z prosthetic breasts placed on paid leave, What's next for Buster Murdaugh after dad's murder conviction, life sentence, Sick trolls leak gruesome Maggie Murdaugh autopsy photo after it was accidentally shown on livestream, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dead at 61 after brain aneurysm, How Ariana Madix discovered Tom Sandoval was cheating on her with Raquel Leviss, Raquel Leviss, Tom Sandoval affair allegedly pre-dated Tom Schwartz hookup, Max Scherzer's first look at the new pitch clock, Chris Rock Jokes About Watching Emancipation to See Will Smith Getting Whipped In Advance of Netflix Special: Report, Kellyanne Conway and George Conway to divorce. Death A hike through scenic Arches National Park in Moab, Utah, turned deadly for one man on Friday after he collapsed After requesting that the family leave the courtroom, she recounted the moment Michaud realized his wife had been killed, when he inhaled the copper-tinged smell of blood, turned to figure out what it was and saw she was dead. 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. WebGRAND COUNTY, Utah A trial is underway after a woman was decapitated at Arches National Park. 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. RELATED: Utah teen dies after falling 150 feet while climbing near cliff, police say. 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Arches National Park Natural Bridge in Yoho National Park. Staying with companions while hiking allows for emergency aid contact, as was the case in this mans tragic death. He ultimately took his own life at a nearby environmental park. In a statement to the newspaper, U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah Trina Higgins, said Nakajjigo's family was entitled to damages. Torrance couple killed, adult son injured I guess the great state of Utah wanted to keep it all for herself. Nakajjigo was Uganda's ambassador for women and girls, and ran a health center in her home country that she set up when she was just 17 years old to provide free health services to adolescents. Michaud, in February, told FOX 13 about the trip to the park. @ArielleHarrison https://t.co/YoCT50YObz. After moving to Colorado, Nakajjigo met her husband hed moved to the area from France and the pair married in March, just as the coronavirus pandemic began to make news. 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. Intense sunlight, low humidity, and open desert with a lack of shade all compound these temperatures to make them potentially deadly to visitors. Our thoughts and condolences are with Nakajjigos friends and families. Ludovic's attorney, Deborah Chang, told Denver7 the entrance gate should have been locked open, and not allowed to swing freely. ARCHES NATIONAL PARK, Utah - An investigation is underway after a hiker collapsed and later died at Arches National Park in Utah. 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. 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. On February 24, park witnesses saw the 71-year-old male collapsing to the ground and becoming unresponsive, Arches (ARCH) officials report.That afternoon, emergency personnel would respond from Classic The judge is expected to issue his ruling in the coming weeks. Gabby Petito's family files amended lawsuit against Moab police Arches National Park is a 120-square-mile desert landscape near Moab, Utah, that is visited by more than 1.5 million people annually. 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 On February 24, park witnesses Part of HuffPost Environment. Photo: Getty Images. WebDeath Valley is known for its austere, barren, Mars-like terrain, but for a few weeks in the spring, this desolate National Park transforms into a colorful wildflower-studded garden. Thursday, July 24, 2003 - 5:30am by Lolo. Nakajjigo worked on fundraising to open a hospital in an underserved part of Kampala, Uganda's capital, became a philanthropic celebrity and immigrated to the United States for a fellowship at the Boulder, Colorado-based Watson Institute for emerging leaders. WebDeath Valley National Park Spring Highlights DESERT WILDFLOWERS Spring in Death Valley can bring stunning wildflower blooms, which are uniquely contrasted against the austere terrain. PROGRESSS UPDATE OF THE FEDERAL AVIATION When California has experienced consistent winter rains, the spring wildflower blooms in Death Valley can reach super bloom status, which last happened in 2016. 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Denver Woman Decapitated By Gate: Family Files $270M "For how majestic these parks are, it's kind of shocking how rudimentary these gates are," she said. Fourteen people died in North Cascades in those 15 years, when an average of just over 25,000 Shes been a reporter since 2012, focused on criminal justice. Arches National Park According to park officials, staff located the deceased female in the Devils Garden Area around 6:45 p.m. Paramore apologizes to Photo courtesy Grand County Sheriff's Office. I want to see hotel recommendations when using Rome2rio The family of a women's rights activist from Uganda has filed a more than $270 million wrongful death claim against the National Park Service. Trial begins over death of Ugandan woman killed in Utah park 1 / 9. The area around Delicate Arch was temporarily closed off after the tragedy, but reopened later Friday. The complaint also describes how Michaud had to witness the grisly scene. The family is reportedly suing the park for $270 million. "On behalf of the United States, we again extend our condolences to Ms. Nakajjigo's friends, family and beloved community.". This story has been shared 167,214 times. Read More FILE Delicate Arch is seen at Arches National Park on April 25, 2021, near Moab, Utah. This national park has the highest death rate in the The trail up to Delicate Arch has reopened for use. You can change your choices at any time by clicking on the 'Privacy dashboard' links on our sites and apps. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Attorney: 'For want of an $8 padlock, woman lost life'. "We don't know with any level of certainty what her plans were," Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Nelson said. In Sequoia National Park, the highlight is seeing the massive redwood trees, some of which may be up to 2,000 Arches National Park 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. 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. The park service previously issued a statement expressing sympathy to Nakajjigos family. Arches National Park Arches National Park 2 men found drugged after leaving NYC gay bars were killed, medical examiner says. Arches National Park Death Valley National Park in California might be one of the most underrated parks in the country. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. It might fall over in the future. Users on Facebook offered their condolences, with one saying she hopes the nearby town of Moab will gather round the family of the deceased to support them. That unique landscape at Badwater Basin occurs because of its distance below sea level at -282 ft. Arches National Park I dont want this incident to reproduce itself ever again.. Hiker Dies After Collapsing on Trail in Arches National Park She was one in a billion, Your Honor, attorney Randi McGinn told the judge, according to FOX 13 Salt Lake City. TOLERABLE TEMPS While winter is the best time to visit for cool temps, early spring temperatures range between lows in the 50s and highs in the 90s. Arches National Park 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. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. See details. Rebel Wilson says she was banned from Disneyland over a selfie. Canyonlands National Park - 339 miles. Report: Woman decapitated at Arches National Park, $270 Crater Lake National Park. Travelogue; A family hike in Arches National Park ended in tragedy as a Massachusetts father collapsed while exploring with his wife and son. Arches National Park death A 71-year-old visitor from Massachusetts collapsed and died on a family hike at Arches National Park in Utah, the National Park Service reported. The 46-foot-tall Delicate Arch is the largest free-standing arch and the most widely known of the 2,000 arches in the park, which draws more than 1.5 million visitors per year. The Late 'Rust' Cinematographer's Family, Life and Career, Jen Shah Fraud Case: U.S. Government Requests to Sentence 'RHOSLC' Star to 10 Years in Prison, Gabby Petito's Family Wins $3 Million from Brian Laundrie's Estate In Wrongful Death Suit, Fact-Checking the George Santos Claims: From Goldman Sachs Employee to College 'Volleyball Star', Jen Shah's Victim Impact Letters Detail 'Everyday Struggle' After Fraud Scheme 'Turned Our Lives Upside Down'. Delicate Arch is seen at Arches National Park on April 25, 2021, near Moab, Utah.