The 25-year-old human rights activist and newlywed wife was killed on June 13, 2020, in Arches National Park. Family sues after newlywed is killed by gate at Arches park Updated: Jan 31, 2023 / 03:49 PM MST. Ugandan activist's family awarded $10.5M for Utah park death In his ten-page verdict, U.S. District Court Judge Bruce Jenkins said the government admitted fault and apologized for Nakajjigos death. Here's what lawmakers have directed schools to do, Can't take statins? You wouldnt able to detect it or see it, she told Fox 13. 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. $270M Claim Filed Against National Park Service After Woman's Death A federal judge ruled Monday that the U.S. will shell out more than $10 million in damages to the family of Esther Nakajjigo after she was killed in an accident at a Utah national park in. A lot of things remind me of her, Michaud told the Salt Lake Tribune. (Julie Jacobson | AP file photo) A Denver man has filed a $270 million wrongful death claim, a precursor to a lawsuit, against the National Park Service after a metal gate at Arches National Park collided collided with his car on June 13, killing his wife. The United States will pay more than $10 million in damages over the death of Esther Nakajjigo, a prominent . Denver woman killed during visit to Arches National Park 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. One series reportedly had a weekly audience of 6.3 million viewers. 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. She met Michaud on Tinder in 2019, when she was attending a leadership program in Boulder, Colorado. sltrib.com 1996-2023 The Salt Lake Tribune. 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 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. National parks begin to reopen across the country. Courtesy of. But when she met Michaud in June 2019 in Aurora, Colorado, through a dating app, he just saw her as a smart person who loved to laugh. Nakajjigo received numerous international accolades and awards and had come to the United States to further her education, participating in programs at Drexel University in Philadelphia as a Mandela Washington Fellow and at the Watson Institute in Boulder, Colorado, where she was the recipient of a Luff Peace Fellowship. "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. 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. 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. Michaud was the last plaintiff witness in the civil trial over the June 13, 2020, death of his wife, Esther Nakajjigo. Michaud, Nakajjigo's husband, spoke about the intense trauma he's endured since his wife's death, including sleeplessness, nightmares and suicidal ideation. The trial began in December and in court, per the AP, family attorney Randi McGinn reportedly argued Nakajjigo could have eventually brought in hundreds of thousands, if not millions, annually had she survived. "The show saw an audience of 6.3 million each week, and Nakajjigo was named Uganda's 'Young Personality of the Year,'" the Post reported. Recreation areas had recently opened after pandemic-era closures and . Diana Dasrath is entertainment producer and senior reporter for NBC News covering all platforms. Woman decapitated by metal gate in front of her horrified husband in The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax They had a courthouse ceremony in March, with plans to throw a big wedding in Uganda once it was safe to travel again. Elizabeth Chuck is a reporter for NBC News who focuses on health and mental health, particularly issues that affect women and children. IE 11 is not supported. Throughout the trial, attorneys debated estimates of Nakajjigos earnings potential. Nakajjigo and her husband, Ludovic Michaud, were vacationing in eastern Utah, visiting the regions national parks months after their wedding. Even simple tasks like cooking rice stored in a jar that Nakajjigo bought before her death feel paralyzing, he said. New pill cuts cholesterol, heart attacks, Suspect in Dylan Rounds disappearance charged with murder. They stipulate, however, that the plaintiffs should be awarded $22,508 for Nakajjigo's funeral expenses and $5,000 for Michaud's therapy expenses. 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. Nationwide News Pty Ltd 2023. The National Park Service did not respond to repeated inquiries from NBC News, nor did Arches National Park Chief Ranger Scott Brown. "The National Park Service has, in fact, known for decades that an unsecured metal pipe gate creates an undetectable hazard and dangerous condition," the claim states, as reported by CBS Denver.. $270 MILLION LAWSUIT There have been gate accidents across the country, including another one on federal government property in 1980 in which a camper in California was impaled by a U.S. Forest Service road closure gate. Disputing the family's claims the victim was on track to become the CEO of a non-profit who could eventually have netted an annual income in the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. Credit: AP FILE - Delicate. (Athea Trial Lawyers) Esther Nakajjigo is shown in this undated photo. McGinn argued that the smaller projections were based on categories of evaluation not allowed for under Utah law. IE 11 is not supported. Jenkins awarded Michaud $9.5 million; Nakajjigos mother, Christine Namagembe, $700,000; and her father, John Bosco Kateregga, $350,000. Nakajjigo worked on fundraising to open a hospital in an underserved part of Kampala, Ugandas capital, became a philanthropic celebrity and immigrated to the United States for a fellowship at the Boulder, Colorado-based Watson Institute for emerging leaders. Though the amount was substantially less than pursued, attorneys representing the family of Esther Nakajjigo celebrated the judgement, [] 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. 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Ugandan activist's family awarded $10.5M for Utah park death The familys lawyer Deborah Chang said the gate struck the car so suddenly and was so well blended into the surrounding landscape the honeymooning couple had no chance of avoiding it. I really wanted to show her Arches, he told Fox 13. 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. Cruise staffer fired after shock bathroom act, Passengers injured as turbulence rocks plane. Nakajjigo was not sure where she wanted to work whether it was in the U.S., back in Uganda or elsewhere but Michaud was willing to follow her wherever she could continue to make the most impact. Ugandan activist's family awarded $10.5M for Utah park death The last thing she said to him was, "Babe, I had the best time of my life." Esther Nakajjigo, 25, was driving around the stunning Arches National Park in Utah, US, in 2020 along with her husband Ludovic Michaud when the unthinkable happened. FOX 13 Investigates: Family sues over death of woman killed in Arches SALT LAKE CITY Ludovic "Ludo" Michaud has tortured himself with a lot of "what ifs?" Her dreams were just about to come true, Chang said. He no longer has a TV in his apartment because the sight of any blood is triggering, he said. FILE - Delicate Arch is seen at Arches National Park on April 25, 2021, near Moab, Utah. 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. Family of Ugandan philanthropist decapitated by traffic gate in Arches Denver newlyweds' trip to Arches National Park ends with wife's Esther Nakajjigo lost her life when she was decapitated at an entrance to Arches National Park in Utah back in June. What if he hadn't suggested the trip to Arches? Ms Nakajjigos husband said his wifes death was the worst thing I hope I will ever see. On June 13, 2020, Nakajjigo, who was riding in the passenger seat as her husband drove them out of the park, was suddenly decapitated when the triangular, metal gate swung around and sliced into their rental car. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The United States will pay more than $10 million in damages over the death of Esther Nakajjigo, a . 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 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 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 gate had been left unlatched against federal policy for two weeks prior to the tragic accident in June 2020. Donate to the newsroom now. 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 National Park Service has, in fact, known for decades that an unsecured metal pipe gate creates an undetectable hazard and dangerous condition," the claim states. 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. Trial begins over death of Ugandan woman killed in Utah park Nakajjigo, who was 25, lived with her. Attorneys representing Michaud and Nakajjigos parents asked for $140 million in damages, while the government said an appropriate award would be roughly $3.5 million. I found her really interesting. A newlywed Denver couple's road trip to Arches National Park in Utah this summer ended in . All this building towards the $140million in damages. 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. Something went wrong, please try again later. During the trials opening statements in December, Nakajjigo was described as a pearl beyond price with limitless potential, the Salt Lake Tribune reported. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Ugandan activist's family awarded $10.5M for Utah park death deductible, Report a missed paper by emailingsubscribe@sltrib.comor calling801-237-2900, For e-edition questions or comments, contact customer support801-237-2900or emailsubscribe@sltrib.com. 72 Join Insider . 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. Esther Nakajjigo, a 25-year-old Ugandan human rights activist, was killed in a horrific accident at Arches National Park on June 13, 2020. Fox13 reports the metal. The administrative claim is a legally required precursor to a lawsuit, which is expected to be filed in about six months. One time it was the delivery of her Social Security card; another time, an update on her immigration status. 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. This is not the first time a tragedy like this has happened. By his verdict, Judge Bruce Jenkins has shown the world how the American justice system works to hold its own government accountable and greatly values all lives, including that of Esther Nakajjigo, a remarkable young woman from Uganda, Randi McGinn, the familys attorney said in a statement. Family of Woman Decapitated by Swinging Gate at State Park Awarded $10. Judge Bruce Jenkins said he wants to "examine with care" all the information presented during the weeklong trial. When he inhaled the copper-tinged smell of blood, turned to figure out what it was and saw his beheaded wife. 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. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax Trial opens in death of woman killed by metal gate in Utah | wltx.com On Monday, a federal judge in Utah ruled that the U.S. government must pay her family more than $10 million in damages. We hope that, in some way, the conclusion of this trial will help with your moving forward.". Nakajjigo was decapitated after wind swung an untethered metal gate into her car, killing her immediately as her husband sat in the seat next to her. Its known for a series of sculpture-like fins and arches made of an orange sandstone that wind and water have eroded for centuries. As the couple was leaving the park, gusts of wind swung the gate around rapidly, enough to slice through the passenger side door of the couples car, decapitating Nakajjigo as her husband sat feet away in the drivers seat. Ugandan activist's family awarded $10.5M for Utah park death 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. This photo was taken in the hours before a gate swung into the couple's car, killing Nakajjigo. Berndt said her team in no way believes Nakajjigo was an average person, and that using reliable data to estimate her lost earnings isn't a value judgment of Nakajjigo. Posted at 10:15 PM, Nov 12, 2020 Nakajjigo, who was 25, lived with her. The amount was far less than the $140 million Nakajjigos family originally sought. First published on November 12, 2020 / 2:34 PM. Nothing we can say makes up for your loss. They had wanted three children. All rights reserved. She was particularly passionate about reducing teenage pregnancy and created two reality television shows that empowered women. Though the amount was substantially less than pursued, attorneys representing the family of Esther Nakajjigo celebrated the judgment, saying it was the largest federal wrongful death verdict in Utah history. This decision serves as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and safety measures in our national parks, so as to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future, Michaud said in a statement to CBS News on Monday. Attorney Randi McGinn, representing Nakajjigos family, on Monday asked the family to leave when he described the death in gruesome detail. All rights reserved. Testimony ends in trial of Ugandan woman decapitated in Arches National 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. Nakajjigo was decapitated after wind swung an untethered metal gate into her . Esther Nakajjigo was killed at Arches National Park in 2020. . Courtesy Ludovic Michaud Nakajjigo. In his judgement, Jenkins said the government had provided a more reasonable projection of Nakajjigos earnings potential. Esther Nakajjigo, a 25-year-old Ugandan human rights activist, was killed in a horrific accident at Arches National Park on June 13, 2020. 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. Later, his chin trembled as Nelson delivered the government's apology. Nakajjigos remains were flown back to Uganda in August. 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. 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. Esther Nakajjigo was a prominent Ugandan human rights activist who was killed in Utah's Arches National Park in 2020. Esther Nakajjigo (credit: Ludovic Michaud). She was subsequently named Ugandas ambassador for women and girls. The same year, Nakajjigo was named Ugandas ambassador for women and girls. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. mesurer votre utilisation de nos sites et applications. The lawsuit was filed about a year after Nakajjigo was killed in June 2020, when wind apparently caused the unsecured, metal gate on the parks main road to swing around and strike her and her husbands car, decapitating her. It's really a full-time job," he said. "On behalf of the United States, we again extend our condolences to Ms. Nakajjigos friends, family and beloved community. 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 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. John Ssenkindu, Esther's brother, told journalists that her sister was hit by a metallic gate of the Arches National Park in the US . Woman's decapitation at Arches National Park leads to $270M wrongful Ugandan activist's family awarded $10.5M for Utah park death The gate narrowly avoided Michaud, who was left covered head to toe in his wife's blood. She was always willing to help, he said. 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.. 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. dvelopper et amliorer nos produits et services. Denver man files suit after wife's death at National Park - KMGH 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. Theres a newsletter that went out to all the parks and the National Park Service that warned of this decades ago. Chang expects to file the lawsuit in about six months. 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. 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. FILE - Delicate Arch is seen at Arches National Park on April 25, 2021, near Moab, Utah. The claim alleged that had park employees used an $8 padlock to secure the gate from moving in the breeze, it could have avoided the victim being "needlessly decapitated.". She was named as Ugandas ambassador for women and girls and received an award from the United Nations after she used her university tuition money to start a non-profit community centre that offered free healthcare to girls and women aged 10 to 24. The wind whipped a metal gate round which sliced through the passenger door of the car and decapitated Esther. They argued that had employees installed the gate properly and secured it with an $8 padlock, Nakajjigos death could have been prevented, This decision serves as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and safety measures in our national parks, so as to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future, Michaud said in, on Monday. Nakajjigo was. Family of Woman Killed at Arches National Park Awarded $10.5M She met Ludovic Michaud in Boulder, Colorado, when she went there for a leadership accelerator program in 2019, and the two of them married in March 2020. 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.
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