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. 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. Attorneys for Michaud and Nakajjigos family gave their opening arguments when the civil trial began Monday. Photo: Getty Images. "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. She reportedly moved to Colorado for a social entrepreneurship program at the Watson Institute in Boulder. ARCHES NATIONAL PARK, Utah - An investigation is underway after a hiker collapsed and later died at Arches National Park in Utah. Two tourists fell to their death while hiking in a popular area of Utahs Arches National Park on Friday, authorities said. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Esther Nakajjigo, whod moved to Colorado in 2019 to attend the Watson Institute in Boulder, was killed instantly. 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. 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 "We don't know with any level of certainty what her plans were," Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Nelson said. 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. "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. Photo provided by Ludovic Michaud Esther Nakajjigo, a Ugandan human rights activist, was killed in Arches National Park in Utah on June 13, 2020. Death Valley National Park in California might be one of the most underrated parks in the country. First responders arrived on the scene and performed CPR before the man was pronounced dead. A family hike in Arches National Park ended in tragedy as a Massachusetts father collapsed while exploring with his wife and son. 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. What will ending the COVID-19 emergency look like in the US? In June, the couple needed a break from quarantine, so they drove to Utah. 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 A National Park Service spokeswoman declined to comment on the lawsuit Monday. 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. She could lift mountains, basically, in her own way. Liability, if any, would have to be based on proof of willful wanton misconduct, sometimes referred to as gross negligence.. For more on the parks HEAT KILLS safety program, see our full Arches National Park Safety breakdown here. Another one of Utahs stunning national parks is 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. Petito was found deceased in Wyoming on September 19, 2021, at the Grand Teton National Park. One area visitor responding to the Facebook post by the sheriff said there were extremely strong winds near the arch. When you are there, you cant help feel that it should be included among the greats. 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. The park service previously issued a statement expressing sympathy to Nakajjigos family. Michaud and his in-laws previously filed a claim with the National Park Service a step toward filing the lawsuit asking for $270 million. Crater Lake National Park. His body was transferred to the Grand County Medical Examiners Office. Family Files $270M Claim Against National Park Service After Death of 25-Year-Old Newlywed: Reports, Boy, 14, Killed at North Carolina Rodeo During First Bull Ride: 'My Lil Cowboy', Tom Girardi, Estranged Husband of 'RHOBH' Star Erika Girardi, Indicted on Fraud Charges, Veteran Alleges George Santos Scammed Him Out of $3K Meant for Dog's Cancer Treatment Santos Denies It, Girl, 17, Dies Suddenly at Treatment Center for Teens Second Case in Utah This Year, Newlywed Found Decapitated in Her Home, Her Husband of 3 Months Allegedly Confessed to Killing Her, Who Was Halyna Hutchins? You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Death Valley National Park is the hottest and driest national park on earth. The complaint also describes how Michaud had to witness the grisly scene. "It could have happened to the people in front of us, or behind us," he said. WebArches National Park and Death Valley National Park are both home to a variety of unique and diverse wildlife. She was one in a billion, Your Honor, attorney Randi McGinn told the judge, according to FOX 13 Salt Lake City. They headed to Arches National Park as soon as the park reopened in June, eager for an adventure. To plan the safest and most enjoyable Arches trip, see our full overview of the national park here. A video tribute to his wife showed her talking about her name, in an earlier recording. This story has been shared 144,788 times. We, Yahoo, are part of the Yahoo family of brands. Zion National Park - 196 miles. We asked the Park Service about the swing gates and were told that both sides are now padlocked when in the "open" position. "On behalf of the United States, we again extend our condolences to Ms. Nakajjigo's friends, family and beloved community.". 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. This story was reported from Los Angeles. Thanks for contacting us. Trial begins over death of Ugandan woman killed at Arches National Park. RELATED: Utah teen dies after falling 150 feet while climbing near cliff, police say. Natural Bridge in Yoho National Park. Heat-related He was airlifted to Moab Regional Hospital. 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. Alongside theNational Park Service, Outsider wants visit to be safe, memorable, enjoyable, and above all: safe. 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 She received multiple honors for her humanitarian work and was attending a leadership program in Bolder, Colorado, at the time of her death. The area around Delicate Arch was temporarily closed off after the tragedy, but reopened later Friday. 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. The trail up to Delicate Arch has reopened for use. 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. It worked. The family is reportedly suing the park for $270 million. Petito was found deceased in Wyoming on September 19, 2021, at the Grand Teton National Park. Nelson, the government's attorney, said an appropriate award would be $3.5 million, far less than the $140 million being pursued. 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 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. A man has died after collapsing to the ground while hiking in Arches National Park. Please enter valid email address to continue. WebHere are some of the highlights of my countless trips to the three National Parks (Banff, Jasper and Yoho) in the Canadian Rockies. Esther Thursday, July 24, 2003 - 5:30am by Lolo. A hike through scenic Arches National Park in Moab, Utah, turned deadly for one man on Friday after he collapsed Photo courtesy Grand County Sheriff's Office. A woman stands beneath Double Arch in Arches National Park near Moab in Utah. Nakajjigo was a performer who used her celebrity to improve the status of women and girls in Uganda. The mans identity is private as the investigation continues. 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. 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. Shelly Bradbury is the courts reporter at the Denver Post. Travelogue; "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.". Esther Nakajjigo was killed at Arches National Park in 2020. 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 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. Part of HuffPost Environment. 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 The family of a women's rights activist from Uganda sued the National Park Service in June 2021 after she was decapitated the previous year by a gate at Utah's Arches National Always check the weather before visiting Arches. A third Californian, a 30-year-old man, also fell and was injured. 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. Delicate Arch is seen at Arches National Park on April 25, 2021, near Moab, Utah. This story has been shared 152,729 times. 3. r/JoshuaTree. Apparently when Disneyland says no selfies, they mean it - even if you're a celebrity! "For want of an $8 basic padlock, our world lost an extraordinary warrior for good," the claim said. Doesn't look anything like the license plate." "I went from the best time of my life to the worst, in one second," he said. I dont want this incident to reproduce itself ever again.. "Paid $20 to get in. 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. The following month, the medical examiner in Sarasota County determined he died from a single gunshot wound to the head, self-inflicted. Rebel Wilson says she was banned from Disneyland over a selfie. WebHere are some of the highlights of my countless trips to the three National Parks (Banff, Jasper and Yoho) in the Canadian Rockies. 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. Nakajjigo accomplished more by age 25 than most people do in a lifetime. 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. WebThe cheapest way to get from Arches National Park to Death Valley National Park costs only $131, and the quickest way takes just 6 hours. The womans family alleges the park was negligent in not locking down the gate that rammed through her car. "I'm trying to be a star, to be able to lighten the lives of the people who feel it's dark," she said. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Zoe Littlepage, a lead attorney on the case, told The Salt Lake Tribune, that "on behalf of the family, we are very appreciative of the judge's attention to detail, the time he spent working on this, and for the value he put on the loss to this family of Essie.". Attorney: 'For want of an $8 padlock, woman lost life'. Attorney Randi McGinn, representing Nakajjigo's family, on Monday described the death in gruesome detail. (Athea Trial Lawyers) Esther Nakajjigo is shown in this undated photo. I want to see hotel recommendations when using Rome2rio Intense sunlight, low humidity, and open desert with a lack of shade all compound these temperatures to make them potentially deadly to visitors. 165. 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. She said entrance gates should be locked into place whether they are open or closed. Wake up to the day's most important news. Fourteen people died in North Cascades in those 15 years, when an average of just over 25,000 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. Canyonlands National Park - 339 miles. Arches National Park is open 24 hours a day year-round, regardless of the weather. A video of the crash shows Michaud was driving and Nakajjigo was in the front passenger seat as they drove toward the gate at about the same speed as other vehicles, according to a sheriffs report. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. "I've always wanted to meet him, though not in this way," he said. We are grateful that Judge Jenkins honored Essie's life and legacy with this award," Littlepage said in a statement to PEOPLE. (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. And we want to express on behalf of the United States our profound sorrow for your loss," per the newspaper. 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 2022 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. If you would like to customise your choices, click 'Manage privacy settings'. During the trial, a U.S. attorney representing the government said, "The United States was 100 percent at fault. But on June 13, she and her husband needed a break from quarantine and headed toward Arches National Park in Utah. Her case was labeled a homicide, with Laundrie being the sole suspect. Death Valley National Park - 366 miles. That afternoon, emergency personnel would respond from Classic Air Medical, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management,and Grand County. There, an investigation into the incident is being conducted by the National Park Service and Grand County. WebThe park has over 2,000 natural stone arches, hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive rock fins, and giant balanced rocks. 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. Other covers in the series include Arches, Death Valley, Denali, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Zion, and more. A third man who fell was airlifted to a local hospital in Moab. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The couple had been married about three months. In order to stay healthy in this climate, it is best toavoid hiking in the middle of the day in Arches. 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.". In other words, he added, theres no liability for ordinary negligence. Luca Galuzzi via Wikimedia Commons. 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 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. 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. Our thoughts and condolences are with Nakajjigos friends and families. The metal pole forming the top of the gate pierced the passenger side of the car and struck Nakajjigo in the head and neck. Arches National Park. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. The pole gate pierced the passenger compartment of the couple's rental car, a Chevy Malibu, and decapitated Esther. Nakajjigo was a Ugandan singer and actress who reportedly did charity work. Stars of 'Tiger King' : Where Are They Now? 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. 1 / 9. @ArielleHarrison Tragically, the father was pronounced deceased at the scene. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. She also said it should have been installed to swing inwards for incoming traffic, not outwards. 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. Lehman Caves Visitor Center 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. "I don't want anyone or any other family to go through what we've been through," Michaud told CBS affiliate KUTV. 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 Death Valley National Park in California might be one of the most underrated parks in the country. Delicate Arch is one of the three main arches featured on Utah license plates. 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. Arches National Park - 332 miles. Natural Bridge in Yoho National Park. We've received your submission. 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. 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. 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. 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. Its known for a series of sculpture-like fins and arches made of an orange sandstone that wind and water have eroded for centuries. The lawsuit alleges that a simple $8 padlock could have prevented the gate from swinging, and claims the park violated regulations, CBS Colorado reported. A Torrance couple died and their adult son was injured after the family of three plummeted down a 100-foot slope in Arches National Park in Utah on Friday, Nov. 29, officials said. Liability is the exception rather than the rule, Kozlowski said. I guess the great state of Utah wanted to keep it all for herself. First published on December 6, 2022 / 9:23 AM. WebEstimated Distance from nearby National Park. 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 "For how majestic these parks are, it's kind of shocking how rudimentary these gates are," she said. Essie's father John Bocso Kateregga will receive $350,000. 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. 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. According to park officials, staff located the deceased female in the Devils Garden Area around 6:45 p.m. Paramore apologizes to Denver7's Lance Hernandez reports. A cemetery posted a personal ad for a goose whose mate died. A family hike in Arches National Park ended in tragedy as a Massachusetts father collapsed while exploring with his wife and son. Laundrie reportedly confessed to killing Petito in a notebook found near his partial remains. 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. Bryce Canyon National Park - 188 miles. 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. If you do not want us and our partners to use cookies and personal data for these additional purposes, click 'Reject all'. As they entered the park on June 13, high winds blew the park entrance gate, a swinging pole, back across the highway. Michaud and Nakajjigo had been married for just under three months when they decided to go see the Arches. A man has died after collapsing to the ground while hiking in Arches National Park. Arches National Park is a 120-square-mile desert landscape near Moab, Utah, that is visited by more than 1.5 million people annually. 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. Things to do in Zion. 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. Where is the National Park Visitor Center? Join. That unique landscape at Badwater Basin occurs because of its distance below sea level at -282 ft. Nakajjigo was a humanitarian who had won numerous awards and recognition for her work. When California has experienced consistent winter rains, the spring wildflower blooms in Death Valley can reach super bloom status, which last happened in 2016. Staying with companions while hiking allows for emergency aid contact, as was the case in this mans tragic death. 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. An investigation is underway and an analysis is expected from the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner to determine more details. It wasnt immediately clear why the three fell. Esther Nakajjigo, 25, The judge is expected to issue his ruling in the coming weeks. 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. Aptly named for the many red rock formations that look like arches within the park, Delicate Arch is one of the most famous. 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. Here are our favorites. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. 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. What awaited them there was as awful as it was unthinkable. 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. Sadly, deaths are not uncommon in the park. A man has died after collapsing to the ground while hiking in Arches National Park. Other covers in the series include Arches, Death Valley, Denali, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, This verdict, though the largest by a federal judge in Utah history, cannot replace the immeasurable loss suffered by her husband and family. The suit does not specify the amount the plaintiffs are seeking, though it accuses park staff of negligence. 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. I really wanted to show her Arches, he said, because I know all the parks around Moab It's one of my favorite places in the U.S., if not my favorite place.. An unidentified 60-year-old woman and According to the Grand County Sheriffs Department, the 71-year-old from Massachusetts was out hiking with his wife and son when the tragic incident occurred.