There, an investigation into the incident is being conducted by the National Park Service and Grand County. Heat-related 3. r/JoshuaTree. McGinn said if her life hadn't been cut short that Nakajjigo's trajectory suggested she would have gone on to become a nonprofit CEO who could eventually have netted an annual income in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, or even millions. 1 / 9. Natural Bridge in Yoho National Park. "For want of an $8 basic padlock, our world lost an extraordinary warrior for good," the claim said. Fourteen people died in North Cascades in those 15 years, when an average of just over 25,000 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. Other covers in the series include Arches, Death Valley, Denali, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Please enter valid email address to continue. A third man who fell was airlifted to a local hospital in Moab. CPR was performed on the individual on site. Wake up to the day's most important news. 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. Esther Nakajjigo, whod moved to Colorado in 2019 to attend the Watson Institute in Boulder, was killed instantly. Delicate Arch is one of the three main arches featured on Utah license plates. While most people have heard of Yosemite and Joshua 2 men found drugged after leaving NYC gay bars were killed, medical examiner says. It has that national park feel. 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. "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.". Deputies of the Grand County Sheriff's Office reported that a 71 year old 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. 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 Death Valley National Park - 366 miles. Essie's father John Bocso Kateregga will receive $350,000. 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. In June, the couple needed a break from quarantine, so they drove to Utah. "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. 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. But on June 13, she and her husband needed a break from quarantine and headed toward Arches National Park in Utah. 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 Michaud, in February, told FOX 13 about the trip to the park. Apparently when Disneyland says no selfies, they mean it - even if you're a celebrity! Nakajjigo was a performer who used her celebrity to improve the status of women and girls in Uganda. 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. Alongside theNational Park Service, Outsider wants visit to be safe, memorable, enjoyable, and above all: safe. Part of HuffPost Environment. The metal pole forming the top of the gate pierced the passenger side of the car and struck Nakajjigo in the head and neck. Doesn't look anything like the license plate." "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. 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 Michaud and Nakajjigo had been married for just under three months when they decided to go see the Arches. Crater Lake National Park. 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 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. We asked the Park Service about the swing gates and were told that both sides are now padlocked when in the "open" position. Arches National Park - 332 miles. Nominate Someone for a FOX 13 Dream Team Surprise! 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. In Sequoia National Park, the highlight is seeing the massive redwood trees, some of which may be up to 2,000 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For more on the parks HEAT KILLS safety program, see our full Arches National Park Safety breakdown here. 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. Without warning, a gust of wind apparently dislodged the arm of the metal gate, which swung into the cars path. "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. His body was transferred to the Grand County Medical Examiners Office. Find the travel option that best suits you. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. 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. To plan the safest and most enjoyable Arches trip, see our full overview of the national park here. A spokeswoman said the single vehicle accident happened June 13 on the entrance road of Arches National Park, near the Visitor's Center, and that the entrance was shut down for several hours. "For how majestic these parks are, it's kind of shocking how rudimentary these gates are," she said. "We don't know with any level of certainty what her plans were," Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Nelson said. Stay safe out there, Outsiders. A family hike in Arches National Park ended in tragedy as a Massachusetts father collapsed while exploring with his wife and son. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. Our thoughts and condolences are with Nakajjigos friends and families. Unseasonably warm temperatures can take hold of the desert any time of year. 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. 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. 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. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 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. She reportedly moved to Colorado for a social entrepreneurship program at the Watson Institute in Boulder. In fact it is the hottest and driest place on earth period. The womans family alleges the park was negligent in not locking down the gate that rammed through her car. 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. 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 Attorney: 'For want of an $8 padlock, woman lost life'. 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. On February 24, park witnesses Rebel Wilson says she was banned from Disneyland over a selfie. Many of these incidents could be avoided with visitors planning and making responsible decisions. I ended her life, he reportedly wrote in October 2021. 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. 2023 FOX Television Stations, Film fanatics headed to Luck ranch for Texas Film Hall of Fame, New street drug 'tranq dope,' rots skin, turns humans into 'zombies', Girl Scouts victim of theft in South Austin; no girls injured, San Marcos police searching for hit-and-run suspect; 61-year-old victim still unable to walk, Man charged in shooting death of Officer Andres Vasquez Lasso ordered held without bond, I didnt realize: Woman mistakenly eats heart-shaped chip that could have won her 100K, Giant bug found at an Arkansas Walmart identified as a Jurassic-era insect, Teen musician Dorian 'ZEV' Kweller remembered as uniquely talented, hard-working, Disneyland banned Rebel Wilson over selfie, actress says, Camila Alves McConaughey on Austin flight that 'dropped almost 4,000 feet'; 7 people reportedly hurt, Austin weather: Warmer temps continue into next week, Another US agency assesses COVID-19 origin likely a Chinese 'lab leak': report, FDA approves combination flu-COVID test for home use, Governor Abbott gives 2023 State of the State Address, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson tests positive for COVID-19. Gabby Petito's Parents File $50 Million Lawsuit Against Utah Police Over Her Death, Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino and Lauren Sorrentino's Relationship Timeline, Utah Babysitter Claimed Infant Stopped Breathing in Crib. Winter conditions make for slippery hiking; proceed with caution. Its known for a series of sculpture-like fins and arches made of an orange sandstone that wind and water have eroded for centuries. Esther Nakajjigo, a native of Uganda, accomplished more at age 25 than most do in a lifetime. On Sept. 1, Laundrie returned to his parents' home in Florida alone. A man has died after collapsing to the ground while hiking in Arches National Park. One area visitor responding to the Facebook post by the sheriff said there were extremely strong winds near the arch. She also said it should have been installed to swing inwards for incoming traffic, not outwards. She joined the paper in 2019 and previously worked as a crime reporter at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in Pennsylvania and the Chattanooga Times Free Press in Tennessee. Arches National Park. "I turned my head and saw what I wish I didn't see.". The area around Delicate Arch was temporarily closed off after the tragedy, but reopened later Friday. 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. I want to see hotel recommendations when using Rome2rio I dont want this incident to reproduce itself ever again.. Death Valley National Park in California might be one of the most underrated parks in the country. Shes been a reporter since 2012, focused on criminal justice. This red-rock wonderland will amaze you with its This story has been shared 144,788 times. Arches National Park is a 120-square-mile desert landscape near Moab, Utah, that is visited by more than 1.5 million people annually. Esther Nakajjigo was killed at Arches National Park in 2020. WebFurnace Creek Campground Death Valley National Park Winter is the best time of year to camp at Furnace Creek Campground in Death Valley National Park. Another one of Utahs stunning national parks is Arches National Park. 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 United States will pay more than $10 million in damages She said there was nothing that visually set them apart. Delicate Arch is seen at Arches National Park on April 25, 2021, near Moab, Utah. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. He ultimately took his own life at a nearby environmental park. Death Valley National Park in California might be one of the most underrated parks in the country. It worked. And we want to express on behalf of the United States our profound sorrow for your loss," per the newspaper. The mild temperatures, stunning desert landscapes, and lack of crowds make it an ideal place for peaceful winter camping. WebEstimated Distance from nearby National Park. This story was reported from Los Angeles. 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. Nakajjigo accomplished more by age 25 than most people do in a lifetime. Nakajjigo was Uganda's ambassador for women and girls, and ran a health center in her home country that she set up when she was just 17 years old to provide free health services to adolescents. 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 We, Yahoo, are part of the Yahoo family of brands. The lawsuit alleges that a simple $8 padlock could have prevented the gate from swinging, and claims the park violated regulations, CBS Colorado reported. Always check the weather before visiting Arches. 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. She had like a tremendous potential, Michaud told the TV station of his late wife. 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 Park rangers said the incident happened Friday when the 71-year-old man from Massachusetts was with his wife and son. 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.". Grand Canyon National Park is divided into 4 major areas: The South Rim, North Rim, Grand Canyon East, and West Grand Canyon. We've received your submission. 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. The family is reportedly suing the park for $270 million. Lehman Caves Visitor Center 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. Stars of 'Tiger King' : Where Are They Now? Where is the National Park Visitor Center? A hike through scenic Arches National Park in Moab, Utah, turned deadly for one man on Friday after he collapsed You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Photo: Getty Images. Arches National Park is a 120-square-mile desert landscape near Moab, Utah, that is visited by more than 1.5 million people annually. What awaited them there was as awful as it was unthinkable. Thanks for contacting us. ARCHES NATIONAL PARK, Utah - An investigation is underway after a hiker collapsed and later died at Arches National Park in Utah. In Pittsburgh, she helped the newspaper earn the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for breaking news after a mass shooting at a local synagogue, and in 2020 she was named a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in local reporting for an investigation into child sexual abuse among Amish and Mennonite communities. The couple had been married about three months. Didn't even get to touch lava." "Essie was a remarkable humanitarian and champion for women and girls. 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. Yosemite, and Death Valley. The gate reportedly smashed through the side of the car and struck Nakajjigo in the neck, killing her. 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. 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. 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. Arches National Park is open 24 hours a day year-round, regardless of the weather. 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. The pole gate pierced the passenger compartment of the couple's rental car, a Chevy Malibu, and decapitated Esther. Tragically, the father was pronounced deceased at the scene. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. WebThe park has over 2,000 natural stone arches, hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive rock fins, and giant balanced rocks. 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This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. / CBS/AP. 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. That afternoon, emergency personnel would respond from Classic Air Medical, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management,and Grand County. Zion National Park - 196 miles. 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. If you do not want us and our partners to use cookies and personal data for these additional purposes, click 'Reject all'. While most people have heard of Yosemite and Joshua Tree, this California park doesnt get enough recognition for its beauty. @ArielleHarrison https://t.co/YoCT50YObz. December 6, 2022 / 9:23 AM An investigation is underway and an analysis is expected from the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner to determine more details. The couple hiked to Delicate Arch and ate lunch in the Windows area before starting their drive out of the park. The others are Bryce Canyon National Park, Arches National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, and Canyonlands National Park. 1 / 9. A widow and his wifes family are seeking $140 million in damages from the U.S. government more than two years after a woman was killed in aUtah 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. 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. The weather was inclement and conditions were slippery following rain and snow. 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. Canyonlands National Park - 339 miles. "Delicate arch looks like it might fall over at any time. Capitol Reef National Park - 238 miles. An unidentified 60-year-old woman and 65-year-old man were killed in the fall Friday into the lower bowl area next to the iconic arch, according to a statement from the Grand County Sheriffs Office in Moab, Utah. Nelson, the government's attorney, said an appropriate award would be $3.5 million, far less than the $140 million being pursued. 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. 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 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. Attorneys for Michaud and Nakajjigos family gave their opening arguments when the civil trial began Monday. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. A man has died after collapsing to the ground while hiking in Arches National Park. A family hike in Arches National Park ended in tragedy as a Massachusetts father collapsed while exploring with his wife and son. In a statement to the newspaper, U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah Trina Higgins, said Nakajjigo's family was entitled to damages. 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. You can change your choices at any time by clicking on the 'Privacy dashboard' links on our sites and apps. The complaint also describes how Michaud had to witness the grisly scene. 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? First published on December 6, 2022 / 9:23 AM. Of the accidents aftermath, Michaud told FOX 13: I saw the worst thing I hope I will ever see.. Luca Galuzzi via Wikimedia Commons. RELATED: Utah teen dies after falling 150 feet while climbing near cliff, police say. During the trial, a U.S. attorney representing the government said, "The United States was 100 percent at fault. A woman stands beneath Double Arch in Arches National Park near Moab in Utah. Het Arches National Park is bekend vanwege de indrukwekkende rotsformaties en balancerende rotsen zoals de Courthouse Towers, Windows Section, Her case was labeled a homicide, with Laundrie being the sole suspect. 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..
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