The familys lawsuit claims when the national parks reopened in April 2020 after being shuttered due to Covid-19, rangers at the national park in Utah didnt 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. The end of that trial came Monday, but a verdict is still pending. The claim she served is legally required before a lawsuit can be filed in court. They argued that had employees installed the gate properly and secured it with an $8 padlock, Nakajjigos death could have been prevented, NBC News reported. The family of a Ugandan young girl child activist, Esther Nakajjigo who died in the United States of America (USA) have asked government to help them repatriate her body, to be accorded a decent burial. All this building towards the $140million in damages. FILE Delicate Arch is seen at Arches National Park on April 25, 2021, near Moab, Utah. The United States will pay more than $10 million in damages over the death of Esther Nakajjigo, a prominent . Something went wrong, please try again later. He has since been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and has struggled with flashbacks. At age 17, she used her college tuition money to start a nonprofit community health center, which provided free reproductive health services to young women and girls. Newlyweds Esther "Essie" Nakajjigo, 25, and Ludovic "Ludo" Michaud, 26, were driving to get ice cream during a camping trip June 13 when a metal gate blew closed in strong winds and sliced . Michaud said he and Nakajjigo were two weeks shy of closing on a condo when the accident occurred, with hopes of owning a house down the road. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. As they were leaving the park on June 13, 2020, heavy winds apparently blew the metal entrance gate into the passenger side of the vehicle, striking and killing Nakajjigo. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. IE 11 is not supported. The claim, served Oct. 22, is seeking more than $270 million in damages from the National Park Service. . It feels lonely, and thats hard. I really wanted to show her Arches, he told Fox 13. During the trials opening statements in December, Nakajjigo was described as a pearl beyond price with limitless potential, the Salt Lake Tribune reported. The trial gave me and Essies family members an opportunity to tell Essies beautiful story, and it was so important to me to have the chance to stand up and speak for this amazing woman.. The U.S. government has admitted responsibility for Nakajjigos death and for the emotional distress inflicted upon her husband, an attorney for the plaintiffs said. afficher des publicits et des contenus personnaliss en fonction de vos profils de centres dintrt; mesurer lefficacit des publicits et contenus personnaliss; et. Fox13 reports the metal. Ugandan activist's family awarded $10.5 million for Utah death - Los Angeles Times ", In 2020, Ludovic Michaud was driving with his 25-year-old wife Esther Nakajjigo out of Utah's Arches National Park to get ice cream on June 13 when a metal gate swung into the car and cut her head off, according to a wrongful death administrative claim obtained by NBC News. Get email updates with the day's biggest stories. The administrative claim is a legally required precursor to a lawsuit, which is expected to be filed in about six months. In 2020, Ludovic Michaud was driving with his 25-year-old wife Esther Nakajjigo out of Utah's Arches National Park to get ice cream on June 13 when a metal gate swung into the car and cut her. Judge Bruce Jenkins said he wants to "examine with care" all the information presented during the weeklong trial. "We respect the judges decision and hope this award will help her loved ones as they continue to heal for this tragedy," added the U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah. 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The French national said he and his wife, who had only been married for three months and lived in Denver, Colorado, had been on a hike and had lunch before driving out of the park. First published on November 12, 2020 / 2:34 PM. Find out more about our policy and your choices, including how to opt-out. He was "instantly covered with blood," the complaint says. Ludovic Michaud, the husband of late human rights activist Esther Nakajjigo, has filed a $270 million wrongful death administrative claim against the National Park Service, according to a report by NBC News, following a June accident at Arches National Park near Moab. Esther Nakajjigo and Ludovic Michaud at Arches National Park in eastern Utah in the hours before a gate swung into the couple's car, killing Nakajjigo. FILE - Delicate Arch is seen at Arches National Park on April 25, 2021, near Moab, Utah. She added that the plaintiffs' assumption that Nakajjigo would have taken a salary "far in excess" of most nonprofit CEOs is "simply contrary to everything the court has heard about her," Berndt said. Outside's long reads email newsletter features our strongest writing, most ambitious reporting, and award-winning storytelling about the outdoors. 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 . 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Cruise staffer fired after shock bathroom act, Passengers injured as turbulence rocks plane. 45 Join Insider . The family of a young woman who was killed by a swinging gate at Arches National Park has sued the park service over her death. 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 summer. The lawsuit alleges that a simple $8 padlock could have prevented the gate from swinging, and claims the park violated regulations. Esther Nakajjigo, a 25-year-old Ugandan human rights activist, was killed in a horrific accident at Arches National Park on June 13, 2020. Esther Nakajjigo was driving with her newlywed husband on their honeymoon in Arches when an open road gate was swung by strong winds into their rental car. You wouldnt able to detect it or see it.. The amount was far less than the $140 million Nakajjigos family originally sought. Posted at 10:15 PM, Nov 12, 2020 But an attorney for her parents and husband said they were grateful for the judgment, which represents the largest federal wrongful death verdict in Utah history, the Associated Press reported. Esther Nakajjigo, a native of Uganda, accomplished more at age 25 than most do in a lifetime. "For want of an $8.00 basic padlock, our world lost an extraordinary warrior for good; a young woman influencer who was destined to become our society's future Princess Diana, Philanthropist Melinda Gates or Oprah Winfrey," read the initial claim from Nakajjigo's husband and family. Esther Nakajjigo (credit: Ludovic Michaud). They had wanted three children. Its known for a series of sculpture-like fins and arches made of an orange sandstone that wind and water have eroded for centuries. Itd be like me pointing a piece of paper to you on its most narrow side. She was named Ugandas ambassador for women and girls. One time it was the delivery of her Social Security card; another time, an update on her immigration status. Monday's closing arguments focused heavily on the differences in testimony made by several economic experts, two of whom projected that Nakajjigo would have earned at least $9 million in her lifetime and the third who estimated Nakajjigo would have made between about $750,000 and $938,000. Recreation areas had recently opened after pandemic-era closures and . One series reportedly had a weekly audience of 6.3 million viewers. "We want you to know, on behalf of the United States, this accident and Essie's death was the responsibility of the United States," Nelson told Michaud. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Esther Nakajjigo lost her life when she was decapitated at an entrance to Arches National Park in Utah back in June. Nakajjigo married Denver man Ludovic Michaud in March 2020. mesurer votre utilisation de nos sites et applications. The sum they are seeking has not been disclosed, however a previous claim filed by the family against the National Park Service which is the step before a lawsuit can be filed asked for more than $A351 million. But now, Michaud said, he returns to an apartment that doesn't feel like a home. The Associated Press SALT LAKE CITY (AP) 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. The smaller projection takes into account only the averages of a statistical black woman, she said; while the higher projections factor in that Nakajjigo was a real, extraordinary person. The gruesome nature of Nakajjigo's death and the fact that she was a renowned Ugandan women's rights activist drew widespread attention to the case. SALT LAKE CITY (AP) 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 federal judge ruled Monday. Ms Chang described the part of the gate that struck Ms Nakajjigo as being like a metal spear or a lance and hit the car in literally a split second. A lot of things remind me of her, Michaud told the Salt Lake Tribune. Si vous ne souhaitez pas que nos partenaires et nousmmes utilisions des cookies et vos donnes personnelles pour ces motifs supplmentaires, cliquez sur Refuser tout. The. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. In court, Michaud described his relationship with Nakajjigo as the best time of his life., It feels lonely, and thats hard. Esther Nakajjigo (credit: Ludovic Michaud) Nakajjigo, 25, was a Ugandan human rights activist and moved to Colorado in 2019 to attend the Watson Institute in Boulder. Having received numerous international accolades and awards, Nakajjigo came to the United States to further her education, where she met Michaud a video streaming technology solution architect via a dating app. This photo was taken in the hours before a gate swung into the couple's car, killing Nakajjigo. Nakajjigo's family sued the government for the largest federal award ever asked for in both state and national history, according to plaintiffs' attorney Randi McGinn, seeking $140 million in damages. According to a court filing, the National Park Service and Arches National Park created a lethal and undetectable danger with the gate, which turned a metal pipe into a spear that went straight through the side of a car, decapitating and killing Esther Nakajjigo.. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. During the trials opening statements in December, Nakajjigo was described as a pearl beyond price with limitless potential. What happened during the 2023 Utah Legislature. The family of a women's rights activist from Uganda has filed a $270 million administrative claim against the National Park Service after she was killed by an . 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 federal judge ruled Monday. The trip to the wind-weathered sandstone of Arches National Park was supposed to be a celebration a chance for Ludovic Michaud, of Denver, to show his new wife one of his favorite landmarks. Its still hard to concentrate, but I try to.. New pill cuts cholesterol, heart attacks, Suspect in Dylan Rounds disappearance charged with murder. Theres a newsletter that went out to all the parks and the National Park Service that warned of this decades ago. The closing arguments came after five days of trial that included testimony from Nakajjigo's family, friends and mentors, as well as from bystanders who witnessed the accident. sltrib.com 1996-2023 The Salt Lake Tribune. The family of a human rights activist killed in a freak accident at Utah's Arches State Park won $10.5 million in damages from the U.S. government. At just 17, using her college tuition money, she created a nonprofit community health center. Yet park employees could have done a lot, the claim alleges, including taking note during inspections of the gate that it posed a danger and putting an inexpensive padlock on it. SALT LAKE CITY (AP) The United States will pay family members of a Ugandan human rights activist killed in an accident at Arches National Park more than . At other points, he dabbed at his eyes; he lived like a student before meeting Nakajjigo, he said, but she turned their apartment into a home. Nationwide News Pty Ltd 2023. What awaited them there was as awful as it was unthinkable. Her dreams were just about to come true, Chang said. The United States will pay more than $10 million in damages over the death of Esther Nakajjigo, a prominent Ugandan human rights activist killed in Arches National Park in 2020 The suit was filed last. The gate narrowly avoided Michaud, who was left covered head to toe in his wife's blood. The United States will pay more than $10 million in damages over the death of Esther Nakajjigo, a prominent Ugandan human rights activist killed in Arches National Park in 2020. According to the official statement from Wilson Jaga, the communications head for the office of the Ugandan Women and Girls, Nakajjigo was hit by a metallic gate of the Arches National Park due. "On behalf of the United States, we again extend our condolences to Ms. Nakajjigos friends, family and beloved community. She 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, and had successfully raised funds to build health care facilities in her hometown. / CBS Colorado. Instead of planning their future together, Michaud is now processing the trauma and grief of Nakajjigos gruesome death and hoping the lawsuit his attorney plans to file will save other families from experiencing what he did. Nakajjigo was killed instantly. Esther Nakajjigo and Ludovic Michaud at Arches National Park in eastern Utah in the hours before a gate swung into the couple's car, killing Nakajjigo. For this work, the United Nations Population Fund gave her the Woman Achiever Award. Newlyweds Esther "Essie" Nakajjigo and Ludovic Michaud visited the park in mid June. FILE - Delicate Arch is seen at Arches National Park on April 25, 2021, near Moab, Utah. Its a fear of erasing her, I guess, when you use something that she bought or that she ate or that we did together.. According to NBC, the claim was served Oct. 22, and alleges that if park employees had properly installed the gate to not swing into oncoming traffic or placed an $8 padlock on the gate to secure it from moving in the breeze, the world would not have lost a young woman influencer destined to become our societys future Princess Diana, Philanthropist Melinda Gates, or Oprah Winfrey.. in the two-plus years since his wife, Esther "Essie" Nakajjigo, was hit and killed by an unsecured gate while the couple was leaving Arches National Park. Vous pouvez modifier vos choix tout moment en cliquant sur le lien Tableau de bord sur la vie prive prsent sur nos sites et dans nos applications. Nakajjigo was a women's rights champion in her home country of Uganda; she founded a nonprofit community health center using her college tuition money, and created two reality TV shows centered around empowering women. According to Deborah Chang, the Los Angeles-based trial attorney representing Michaud, there was nothing he could have done to swerve out of the way of the gate that killed his wife and narrowly missed him. The family of a womens rights activist who was killed in a gruesome accident at a national park is suing a US agency over her tragic death. Michaud and his in-laws are asking a federal judge for $140 million. Because neither the U.S. nor Nakajjigos family disputed the facts of the case, the civil suit focused largely on the amount of damages merited. Michaud was the last plaintiff witness in the civil trial over the June 13, 2020, death of his wife, Esther Nakajjigo. Elizabeth Chuck is a reporter for NBC News who focuses on health and mental health, particularly issues that affect women and children. Nakajjigo, who was 25, lived with her. One, Saving Innocence, depicted teenage girls from urban areas helping teen moms in rural communities go back to school. The National Park Service has not commented in relation to the new lawsuit but has previously released a statement expressing sympathy for the young womans death. The metal gate at Arches National Park, normally secured with a lock, was left untethered. The United States will pay more than $10 million in damages over the death of Esther Nakajjigo, a prominent Ugandan human rights activist killed in Arches National Park in 2020. The family had initially sought a total of $270 million in damages, before lowering the amount to $140 -- while the government only wanted to pay $3.5 million. In the opening statements of the wrongful death lawsuit, attorneys representing Michaud and Nakajjigos family recounted the moment Michaud realised his wife had been killed. The women's rights activist from Uganda was 25 when, during a camping trip to Arches National Park in June 2020, she was beheaded by a metal gate that blew closed in strong winds and sliced through the side of the car she was riding in. SALT . He said he didnt deny Nakajjigo was an extraordinary person, but argued it was difficult to speculate what kind of work she would have gone on to do. dvelopper et amliorer nos produits et services. Here's what lawmakers have directed schools to do, Can't take statins? Get informative articles and interesting stories delivered to your inbox weekly. Nothing we can say makes up for your loss. Michaud's wife, Esther Nakajjigo, 25, was a celebrated human rights activist in her home country of Uganda. Esther Nakajjigo was decapitated at Arches National Park in Utah after wind swung an untethered metal gate into her car, killing her immediately as her husband sat in the seat next to her. The United States will pay more than $10 million in damages over the death of Esther Nakajjigo, a prominent Ugandan human rights activist killed in Arches National Park in 2020. She was subsequently named Ugandas ambassador for women and girls. The 25-year-old human rights activist and newlywed wife was killed on June 13, 2020, in Arches National Park. Esther Nakajjigo was a Ugandan human rights activist and newlywed wife when the 25-year-old was killed at Arches National Park in 2020, decapitated by an unsecured gate that is now at the center of a wrongful death trial. It's really a full-time job," he said. Esther Nakajjigo, a 25-year-old Ugandan activist who'd moved to Colorado in 2019 to attend the Watson Institute in Boulder, died June 13, 2020, while visiting the park with her husband of two He noted she had recently worked as a host at a restaurant around the time of her death and didnt have a Bachelors degree. By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's. Michaud, Nakajjigo's husband, spoke about the intense trauma he's endured since his wife's death, including sleeplessness, nightmares and suicidal ideation. Nakajjigo had been celebrated for using money earmarked for her college tuition to instead open a nonprofit community health center in Uganda at age 17. A newlywed Denver couple's road trip to Arches National Park in Utah this summer ended in . The wind whipped a metal. What if he hadn't suggested the trip. Esther Nakajjigo, a 25-year-old Ugandan human rights activist, was killed in a horrific accident at Arches National Park on June 13, 2020. Ms Nakajjigo worked to improve education and rights for women and teenage girls in her home country of Uganda and advocated to reduce rates of teenage pregnancy. At age 17, Nakajjigo. Ludovic Michaud, the husband of late human rights activist Esther Nakajjigo, has filed a $270 million wrongful death administrative claim against the National Park Service, according to a. IE 11 is not supported. Nakajjigo created a reality TV show that helped child mothers stay in school and develop life skills, according to The Denver Post. In their legal complaint, Michaud and Nakajjigos parents said the National Park Service was negligent for not maintaining the gate. I felt completely meaningless after losing Nakajjigo, he said. Esther Nakajjigo died on June 13 after a metal gate swung into a car she and her husband were in and sliced het head off Credit: Handout. She was particularly passionate about reducing teenage pregnancy and created two reality television shows that empowered women. You wouldnt able to detect it or see it, she told Fox 13. Nakajigos family and Michaud are suing the U.S. government for negligence as well as negligent infliction of emotional distress on the part of Michaud, who had to witness the grisly scene. It impaled their car and decapitated Nakajjigo. "You bear no responsibility. Attorneys for the government have not disputed that park officials are at fault but instead have disputed how much the family should be awarded.
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