Glenwood Springs, Colorado — A jury awarded $205 million to the family of Wongel Estifanos, a six-year-old girl who tragically lost her life during a theme park ride in September 2021. Estifanos died on the Haunted Mine Drop at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, where investigations revealed she was not properly secured in her seat when the ride was operated.
The Haunted Mine Drop, a 110-foot vertical drop attraction located underground in a mine shaft, was closed after the incident and rebranded as Crystal Tower in 2023. Following the accident, the state of Colorado imposed a $68,000 fine on the park; however, no criminal charges were pursued against any individuals.
The Estifanos family initiated legal proceedings in October 2021, and the case went to trial earlier this month. Dan Caplis, the family’s attorney, expressed hope that the verdict would serve as a strong warning to prevent future occurrences. “For four long years, Glenwood Caverns has denied responsibility for Wongel’s death, who fell ten stories,” Caplis stated. “Wongel’s parents sought justice not only for their daughter but also to protect other families.”
The family’s appreciation for the jury’s decision was evident, as Caplis highlighted the importance of acknowledging Wongel’s life and dignity. He noted that the jury’s conclusions demonstrated a commitment to justice and accountability.
In response to the verdict, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park expressed deep sympathy for Estifanos’ family and acknowledged the profound impact of the incident. The park’s statement indicated that while a significant portion of the liability was assigned to another party, Soaring Eagle, Inc., the jury’s award raises serious concerns about the park’s future viability.
Furthermore, the park claimed it had tried to negotiate a settlement prior to the trial by offering its full insurance coverage, which the plaintiffs reportedly declined. The park stated that they have collaborated with independent engineers to redesign the attraction to prevent similar incidents.
Despite the tragedy, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park emphasized its commitment to safety and the community, revealing that they are exploring all possible options to continue operations while honoring their guests and contributors.
The case brought attention to the crucial importance of safety measures in amusement parks and reminded the community of the devastating consequences of negligence.
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