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. The suit was filed last week in federal court in Denver by the widower and parents of Nakajjigo. The Associated Press 2:50 PM MST on Jan 31, 2023 SALT LAKE CITY The United States will pay family members of a Ugandan human rights activist killed in an accident at Arches National Park more than $10 million in damages, a This incident happened June 13 just before 2 p.m. as the couple were leaving the park, according to the claim. Natural Bridge in Yoho National Park. I ended her life, he reportedly wrote in October 2021. A video tribute to his wife showed her talking about her name, in an earlier recording. "I went from the best time of my life to the worst, in one second," he said. Arches National Park Stay safe out there, Outsiders. Stars of 'Tiger King' : Where Are They Now? Esther Nakajjigo was killed at Arches National Park in 2020. (Athea Trial Lawyers) Esther Nakajjigo is shown in this undated photo. 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.". 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 Service. The others are Bryce Canyon National Park, Arches National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, and Canyonlands National Park. It might fall over in the future. 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. WebArches National Park and Death Valley National Park are both home to a variety of unique and diverse wildlife. Death Valley National Park is the hottest and driest national park on earth. 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. 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. Liability is the exception rather than the rule, Kozlowski said. RELATED: Utah teen dies after falling 150 feet while climbing near cliff, police say. 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. 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. We asked the Park Service about the swing gates and were told that both sides are now padlocked when in the "open" position. "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. Esther Nakajjigo, 25, 71-Year-Old Man Collapses, Dies During Arches If you would like to customise your choices, click 'Manage privacy settings'. Trial begins for woman decapitated at Arches National 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. Delicate Arch is one of the three main arches featured on Utah license plates. An unidentified 60-year-old woman and He was airlifted to Moab Regional Hospital. We've received your submission. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. This story has been shared 167,214 times. According to park officials, staff located the deceased female in the Devils Garden Area around 6:45 p.m. Paramore apologizes to Nakajjigo accomplished more by age 25 than most people do in a lifetime. Petito was found deceased in Wyoming on September 19, 2021, at the Grand Teton National Park. Other covers in the series include Arches, Death Valley, Denali, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Zion, and more. Gabby Petito: New Lawsuit Filing Says Brian Laundrie Was an 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. 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. It has that national park feel. Arches park rangers respond to hundreds of search and rescue incidents (SARs) each year in both Arches and Canyonlands. 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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. In fact it is the hottest and driest place on earth period. @ArielleHarrison "Essie was a remarkable humanitarian and champion for women and girls. (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. While most people have heard of Yosemite and Joshua Tree, this California park doesnt get enough recognition for its beauty. The incident will remain under investigation by the Grand County Sheriffs Office as well as the National Park Service, the outlet cites. 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. She received multiple honors for her humanitarian work and was attending a leadership program in Bolder, Colorado, at the time of her death. But on June 13, she and her husband needed a break from quarantine and headed toward Arches National Park in Utah. 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. National Parks "It could have happened to the people in front of us, or behind us," he said. 1 / 9. Death Valley National Park in California might be one of the most underrated parks in the country. 2 Hikers Fall To Their Deaths In Utah's Arches National Park National Parks Man collapses, suddenly dies hiking in Arches National FOX 13 reported earlier this year how Nakajjigo died June 13, 2020. Rep. 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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. Unseasonably warm temperatures can take hold of the desert any time of year. Esther Nakajjigo, a native of Uganda, accomplished more at age 25 than most do in a lifetime. National Park 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 WebArches National Park has a busy search and rescue operation. Lehman Caves Visitor Center In other words, he added, theres no liability for ordinary negligence. Arches National Park 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. Read More FILE Delicate Arch is seen at Arches National Park on April 25, 2021, near Moab, Utah. Arches National Park is open 24 hours a day year-round, regardless of the weather. An investigation is underway and an analysis is expected from the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner to determine more details. Arches National Park 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. Her 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. death ARCHES NATIONAL PARK, Utah - An investigation is underway after a hiker collapsed and later died at Arches National Park in Utah.. Park rangers said the Het Arches National Park is bekend vanwege de indrukwekkende rotsformaties en balancerende rotsen zoals de Courthouse Towers, Windows Section, Arches National Park is a 120-square-mile desert landscape near Moab, Utah, that is visited by more than 1.5 million people annually. On Sept. 1, Laundrie returned to his parents' home in Florida alone. Part of HuffPost Environment. Nelson, the government's attorney, said an appropriate award would be $3.5 million, far less than the $140 million being pursued. 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. 165. Luca Galuzzi via Wikimedia Commons. 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 gate reportedly smashed through the side of the car and struck Nakajjigo in the neck, killing her. Find out more about how we use your personal data in our privacy policy and cookie policy. When California has experienced consistent winter rains, the spring wildflower blooms in Death Valley can reach super bloom status, which last happened in 2016. Thanks for contacting us. Without warning, a gust of wind apparently dislodged the arm of the metal gate, which swung into the cars path. She reportedly moved to Colorado for a social entrepreneurship program at the Watson Institute in Boulder. Esther Nakajjigo, whod moved to Colorado in 2019 to attend the Watson Institute in Boulder, was killed instantly. Arches National Park The metal pole forming the top of the gate pierced the passenger side of the car and struck Nakajjigo in the head and neck. 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. 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 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 Esther Visiting Arches National Park In March 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. Canyonlands National Park - 339 miles. 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. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A third man who fell was airlifted to a local hospital in Moab. National Park Our thoughts and condolences are with Nakajjigos friends and families. 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"For how majestic these parks are, it's kind of shocking how rudimentary these gates are," she said. Deputies of the Grand County Sheriff's Office reported that a 71 year old 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. He ultimately took his own life at a nearby environmental park. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. 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. The judge is expected to issue his ruling in the coming weeks. "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.". In June, the couple needed a break from quarantine, so they drove to Utah. Higgins did not immediately return PEOPLE's request for comment. They appeared to be hiking together and may have been related, noted the sheriffs statement. The victim was transported to the Grand County Medical Examiners Office to determine a cause of death. 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. Park rangers said the incident happened Friday when the 71-year-old man from Massachusetts was with his wife and son. Death Valley National Park in California might be one of the most underrated parks in the country. 1. Arches National Park Utah (ABC4) Staff members at Arches National Park recovered a deceased body on Saturday, October 1, 2022. UT; National Park; 23 miles and 0.5 hours from our last stop - 1 night stay. "I've always wanted to meet him, though not in this way," he said. Arches National Park Two California visitors fell to their deaths while hiking to the Delicate Arch sandstone formation in Arches National Park. First responders arrived on the scene and performed CPR before the man was pronounced dead. 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. "Our sympathies go out to Esther Nakajjigo's family, friends and those whose lives she impacted," Public Affairs specialist Vanessa Lacayo said in a statement.
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