A Colorado jury has awarded $205 million to the family of a six-year-old girl who died on a theme park drop ride in September 2021. Wongel Estifanos was killed on the Haunted Mine Drop at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The verdict came after a state investigation found that the child was not properly secured in her seat when the ride was operated.
This significant financial award aims to send a strong message about ride safety and accountability within the amusement park industry. The case brought by the Estifanos family highlighted critical safety failures and the park's response following the tragedy.
Key Takeaways
- A Colorado jury awarded $205 million to the family of Wongel Estifanos.
- Wongel, age six, died on the Haunted Mine Drop ride in September 2021.
- An investigation found she was not buckled into her seat when the ride was dispatched.
- The family's attorney stated the verdict sends a message to save lives.
- Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park expressed concern about its future operations.
Tragic Incident and Investigation Findings
The incident occurred on September 5, 2021, at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. Six-year-old Wongel Estifanos was riding the Haunted Mine Drop, a unique attraction built underground within a mine shaft. The ride dropped 110 feet, offering a distinctive experience for park visitors.
Immediately following the tragedy, state authorities launched an investigation. Their findings were critical: park operators had dispatched the ride despite Wongel Estifanos not being correctly buckled into her seat. This operational error was identified as a direct cause of her death.
Key Facts
- Victim: Wongel Estifanos, 6 years old
- Date of Incident: September 5, 2021
- Ride: Haunted Mine Drop (rethemed as Crystal Tower)
- Location: Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, Glenwood Springs, Colorado
- Primary Cause: Rider not properly secured, ride dispatched
State's Response and Park's Actions
Following the investigation, the state of Colorado imposed a fine of $68,000 on Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. However, no criminal charges were pursued against the park or its operators. The Haunted Mine Drop ride remained closed after the accident. In 2023, it reopened under a new name, Crystal Tower, after being rethemed.
The park stated that it worked with independent engineers to redesign and re-engineer the ride. This effort aimed to prevent similar accidents from happening again. The park emphasized that it did not work with Soaring Eagle, Inc., the other defendant, on these redesign efforts.
Family's Lawsuit and Jury Verdict
The Estifanos family filed a lawsuit in October 2021, seeking accountability for their daughter's death. The case proceeded to trial this month. The jury's decision to award $205 million reflects a strong finding against the park.
"This very well reasoned jury verdict will send a loud message that will save a lot of lives," stated Dan Caplis, the family's attorney. "For four long years Glenwood Caverns has denied fault for the death of Wongel, who was dropped ten stories to her death from a ride. Wongel’s parents took this case to trial to prove what really happened and to try to save others."
Caplis further expressed the family's gratitude for the jury's decision. "Wongel’s parents are deeply grateful to the jury for following the evidence to a just verdict, and for recognizing the dignity and importance of their daughter Wongel," he added.
Legal Context
Personal injury lawsuits in cases of wrongful death often seek to compensate families for their loss and to hold negligent parties accountable. Jury verdicts can consider various factors, including emotional distress, loss of companionship, and potential future earnings, though for a child, the emphasis is often on the profound emotional impact and the need for deterrence.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park's Response
In response to the verdict, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park issued a statement. The park extended its condolences to the Estifanos family and acknowledged the tragic nature of the accident. However, the statement also highlighted the financial implications of the jury's decision.
"Our hearts go out to the family of Wongel Estifanos and everyone affected by the tragic accident that happened on September 5, 2021. While the jury allocated significant fault on the other defendant, Soaring Eagle, Inc., the size of the total jury verdict award puts the existence of Glenwood Caverns at serious risk."
The park also stated that it had offered its available insurance money to the plaintiffs before the trial. According to the park, the plaintiffs "refused to accept or ever negotiate a resolution over the past four years despite our numerous attempts."
Future of the Park
The statement concluded with the park's commitment to continue operations if possible. "Glenwood Caverns was devastated by this accident and worked with independent engineers (and not with Soaring Eagle) to redesign and re-engineer the ride to prevent an accident like this from ever occurring again. Glenwood Caverns is exploring all options so that we can attempt to continue to operate, serve our guests, and continue to give back to the community."
The significant award raises questions about the park's ability to remain in business. Such a large judgment could pose an existential threat to its operations, impacting both its employees and the local economy it supports.
Impact on Theme Park Safety Standards
This verdict could have broader implications for the amusement park industry, particularly regarding safety protocols and operator training. The emphasis on proper rider restraint and adherence to operational procedures is paramount for visitor safety.
- Operator Training: The case underscores the need for rigorous and consistent training for ride operators.
- Safety Checks: Routine and thorough safety checks, including verifying all restraints, are critical before dispatching any ride.
- Accountability: The large award highlights the severe consequences for parks that fail to uphold safety standards.
Amusement parks are under constant scrutiny to ensure the safety of their guests. Incidents like the one at Glenwood Caverns serve as stark reminders of the responsibilities involved in operating high-thrill attractions. The legal outcome may lead other parks to review and strengthen their own safety measures and employee protocols to avoid similar tragedies and legal challenges.
