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. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Liability, if any, would have to be based on proof of willful wanton misconduct, sometimes referred to as gross negligence.. Arches National Park A cemetery posted a personal ad for a goose whose mate died. A hike through scenic Arches National Park in Moab, Utah, turned deadly for one man on Friday after he collapsed Luca Galuzzi via Wikimedia Commons. 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. "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. He was airlifted to Moab Regional Hospital. 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. This incident happened June 13 just before 2 p.m. as the couple were leaving the park, according to the claim. 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. 165. They headed to Arches National Park as soon as the park reopened in June, eager for an adventure. The couple had been married about three months. 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. (Athea Trial Lawyers) Esther Nakajjigo is shown in this undated photo. Another one of Utahs stunning national parks is Arches National 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. Additionally, The Utah Office of the Medical Examiner will analyze the mans body due to the sudden, unexpected and unknown manner of his death, local 2KUTV reports. In Sequoia National Park, the highlight is seeing the massive redwood trees, some of which may be up to 2,000 Join. Arches National Park is a 120-square-mile desert landscape near Moab, Utah, that is visited by more than 1.5 million people annually. 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 man has died after collapsing to the ground while hiking in Arches National Park. 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 couple hiked to Delicate Arch and ate lunch in the Windows area before starting their drive out of the park. Thanks for contacting us. A family hike in Arches National Park ended in tragedy as a Massachusetts father collapsed while exploring with his wife and son. FOX 13 Investigates: Family sues over death of woman killed in A family hike in Arches National Park ended in tragedy as a Massachusetts father collapsed while exploring with his wife and son. Death Valley National Park, California-Nevada It's a place of extremes: Death Valley is one of the hottest and driest places on earth, it's also one of the darkest. 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. Arches National Park death "We don't know with any level of certainty what her plans were," Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Nelson said. The Associated Press contributed to this report. "For how majestic these parks are, it's kind of shocking how rudimentary these gates are," she said. Trial begins over death of Ugandan woman killed in Utah park The show saw an audience of 6.3 million each week, and Nakajjigo was named Ugandas Young Personality of the Year.. The trail up to Delicate Arch has reopened for use. Nakajjigo gained national notoriety in Uganda and created a reality TV show that helped child mothers stay in school and develop life skills, according to the claim. The suit does not specify the amount the plaintiffs are seeking, though it accuses park staff of negligence. Aptly named for the many red rock formations that look like arches within the park, Delicate Arch is one of the most famous. National Trial begins for woman decapitated at Arches National "I don't want anyone or any other family to go through what we've been through," Michaud told CBS affiliate KUTV. 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. Esther Nakajjigo, whod moved to Colorado in 2019 to attend the Watson Institute in Boulder, was killed instantly. Attorney: 'For want of an $8 padlock, woman lost life'. This story was reported from Los Angeles. United Statesattorneys do not dispute that park officials shouldered the blame but argued the amount the family should be awarded is far less at $3.5 million and called into question the ways in which the damages being sought were calculated. Arches National Park. That afternoon, emergency personnel would respond from Classic Air Medical, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management,and Grand County. 71-Year-Old Man Collapses, Dies During Arches National Park Hike, Arches National Park Safety breakdown here, Arches trip, see our full overview of the national park here, Never rely on a cellular phone to summon help; cellular service will not reach into many areas of Arches, If you become lost, stay where you are and wait for rescue, Wandering alone will endanger your life and make finding you difficult, When traveling alone, always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Ludovic's attorney, Deborah Chang, told Denver7 the entrance gate should have been locked open, and not allowed to swing freely. WebArches National Park has a busy search and rescue operation. 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. Denver7's Lance Hernandez reports. Trial begins two years after newlywed was beheaded by metal "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.". National 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. 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 Nakajjigos death. Arches National Park (U.S. National Park Service) 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 First published on December 6, 2022 / 9:23 AM. 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. National Park A National Park Service spokeswoman declined to comment on the lawsuit Monday. "It could have happened to the people in front of us, or behind us," he said. The park service previously issued a statement expressing sympathy to Nakajjigos family. When California has experienced consistent winter rains, the spring wildflower blooms in Death Valley can reach super bloom status, which last happened in 2016. The metal pole forming the top of the gate pierced the passenger side of the car and struck Nakajjigo in the head and neck. Here are our favorites. FOX 13 reported earlier this year how Nakajjigo died June 13, 2020, after wind caught a traffic control gate and blew it into the rented Chevy Malibu driven by her husband, Ludo Michaud. 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 "Paid $20 to get in. 16 Best National Parks to Visit in Spring Bearfoot Theory 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. National Ludovic Michaud and his new wife, Esther Nakajjigo, were driving around Arches National Park on a windy spring day in 2020 when a metal gate whipped 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. 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. 2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. Those experiencing previous health conditions, such as heart disease, are at greater risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, both of which can be deadly. During the trial, a U.S. attorney representing the government said, "The United States was 100 percent at fault. When you are there, you cant help feel that it should be included among the greats. National Parks A woman stands beneath Double Arch in Arches National Park near Moab in Utah. 71-Year-Old Man Collapses, Dies During Arches Stars of 'Tiger King' : Where Are They Now? End your National Park Log with a "Well, That Happened Checklist" and a page to list goals for your next visit; COLLECT THE WHOLE SERIES: There are 32 unique and beautiful covers in this National Park Passport Journal series. Denver woman killed during visit to Arches National Park 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. First responders arrived on the scene and performed CPR before the man was pronounced dead. WebHere are some of the highlights of my countless trips to the three National Parks (Banff, Jasper and Yoho) in the Canadian Rockies. "I've always wanted to meet him, though not in this way," he said. Esther 1. Gabby Petito: New Lawsuit Filing Says Brian Laundrie Was an Death Valley National Park Jan. 31, 2023 Plan completed on August 17, 2022 USCA Case #19-1044 Document #1987865 Filed: 02/28/2023 Page 3 of 7 Arches National Park Jan. 31, 2023 Plan completed on October 18, 2022 8. See details. The weather was inclement and conditions were slippery following rain and snow. Lehman Caves Visitor Center 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. We've received your submission. She also said it should have been installed to swing inwards for incoming traffic, not outwards. This story has been shared 167,214 times. Gabby Petito: New Lawsuit Filing Says Brian Laundrie Was an The judge is expected to issue his ruling in the coming weeks. 3. r/JoshuaTree. There, an investigation into the incident is being conducted by the National Park Service and Grand County. The victim was transported to the Grand County Medical Examiners Office to determine a cause of death. Alerts & Conditions - Arches National Park (U.S. National Park WebGRAND COUNTY, Utah A trial is underway after a woman was decapitated at Arches National Park. That unique landscape at Badwater Basin occurs because of its distance below sea level at -282 ft. 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 ARCHES NATIONAL PARK, Utah - An investigation is underway after a hiker collapsed and later died at Arches National Park in Utah. Delicate Arch is one of the three main arches featured on Utah license plates. Nakajjigo was a Ugandan singer and actress who reportedly did charity work. Attorneys for Michaud and Nakajjigos family gave their opening arguments when the civil trial began Monday. A newlywed Denver couples road trip to Arches National Park in Utah this summer ended in tragedy when a metal gate at the park exit swung open, impaled the couples car and decapitated the woman, a 25-year-old Ugandan human rights activist. Petito was found deceased in Wyoming on September 19, 2021, at the Grand Teton National Park. Death Valley National Park in California might be one of the most underrated parks in the country. Arches National Park This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Unseasonably warm temperatures can take hold of the desert any time of year. WebA $270 million wrongful death administrative claim was reportedly filed against Arches National Park after a 25-year-old human rights activist from Uganda was killed at the She had like a tremendous potential, Michaud told the TV station of his late wife. 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. Higgins did not immediately return PEOPLE's request for comment. 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. "Emergency response personnel from the National Park Service, Grand County Sheriffs Office, Grand County EMS, Moab City Police Department, Utah Highway Patrol and Moab Valley Fire Department responded to the scene to provide assistance. Michaud and Nakajjigo had been married for just under three months when they decided to go see the Arches. The womans family alleges the park was negligent in not locking down the gate that rammed through her car. According to park officials, staff located the deceased female in the Devils Garden Area around 6:45 p.m. Paramore apologizes to 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. Essie's father John Bocso Kateregga will receive $350,000. Rep. 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Het Arches National Park is bekend vanwege de indrukwekkende rotsformaties en balancerende rotsen zoals de Courthouse Towers, Windows Section, This national park has the highest death rate in the Zion National Park - 196 miles. U.S. National Parks: 10 Spots That Are A Photographer's Dream 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. 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. Esther Nakajjigo, 25, Other covers in the series include Arches, Death Valley, Denali, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Zion, and more. 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. Arches park rangers respond to hundreds of search and rescue incidents (SARs) each year in both Arches and Canyonlands. Gabby Petito's family files amended lawsuit against Moab police What will ending the COVID-19 emergency look like in the US? Family of Activist Decapitated at Arches National Park Awarded While most people have heard of Yosemite and Joshua Sadly, deaths are not uncommon in the park. Gabby Petito: New Lawsuit Filing Says Brian Laundrie Was an Things to do in Zion. Many have said that Dead Horse Point State Park has been overlooked by the National Park Service. 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 Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The trial began Dec. 5 in Utah and was meant to determine how much money was owed to the family, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Where is the National Park Visitor Center? Great Basin National Park 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'. On Sept. 1, Laundrie returned to his parents' home in Florida alone. 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. WebHere are some of the highlights of my countless trips to the three National Parks (Banff, Jasper and Yoho) in the Canadian Rockies. A family hike in Arches National Park ended in tragedy as a Massachusetts father collapsed while exploring with his wife and son. And we want to express on behalf of the United States our profound sorrow for your loss," per the newspaper. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 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. A video tribute to his wife showed her talking about her name, in an earlier recording. What awaited them there was as awful as it was unthinkable. (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. Nakajjigo was a humanitarian who had won numerous awards and recognition for her work. Liability is the exception rather than the rule, Kozlowski said. The complaint also describes how Michaud had to witness the grisly scene. 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. 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. It has that national park feel. WebDeath Valley in Fall; Yosemite in the Fall; Pacific Northwest; Utah Off-Roading; Southern CA Deserts; Yosemite & Covid; Lake Powell Covid; Arches National Park, UT. A family hike in Arches National Park ended in tragedy as a Massachusetts father collapsed while exploring with his wife and son. Two tourists fell to their death while hiking in a popular area of Utahs Arches National Park on Friday, authorities said. UT; National Park; 23 miles and 0.5 hours from our last stop - 1 night stay. I want to see hotel recommendations when using Rome2rio Ludovic Michaud and his new wife, Esther Nakajjigo, were driving aroundArches National Parkon a windy spring day in 2020 when a metal gate whipped around, sliced through the passenger door of his car and decapitated Nakajjigo. Arches National Park - 332 miles. 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 Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. Trial begins over death of Ugandan woman killed at Arches National Park. 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. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way. While most people have heard of Yosemite and Joshua Tree, this California park doesnt get enough recognition for its beauty. Below, youll find general hiking safety for the park that greatly increases the safety of your trip: In all national parks, the buddy system will always be the best way to ensure a safe visit. Arches National Park She reportedly moved to Colorado for a social entrepreneurship program at the Watson Institute in Boulder. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. She was one in a billion, Your Honor, attorney Randi McGinn told the judge, according to FOX 13 Salt Lake City. A man has died after collapsing to the ground while hiking in Arches National Park. 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. Her case was labeled a homicide, with Laundrie being the sole suspect. This verdict, though the largest by a federal judge in Utah history, cannot replace the immeasurable loss suffered by her husband and family. Michaud, in February, told FOX 13 about the trip to the 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. National The area around Delicate Arch was temporarily closed off after the tragedy, but reopened later Friday. Michaud and his in-laws previously filed a claim with the National Park Service a step toward filing the lawsuit asking for $270 million. Arches National Park She said entrance gates should be locked into place whether they are open or closed. Find out more about how we use your personal data in our privacy policy and cookie policy. Out in this vast, challenging desert, location and rescue can take hours even days. 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. A man has died after collapsing to the ground while hiking in Arches National Park. "The show saw an audience of 6.3 million each week, and Nakajjigo was named Uganda's 'Young Personality of the Year,'" the Denver Post reported. Crater Lake National Park. Canyonlands National Park - 339 miles. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The gate reportedly smashed through the side of the car and struck Nakajjigo in the neck, killing her.