Colorado jury awards family $205M after 6-year-old falls to death from theme park ride
Share this @internewscast.com

A Colorado jury has mandated a local theme park and others to pay $205 million to the family of a 6-year-old girl who tragically fell over 100 feet to her death from a ride.

The verdict, issued Friday at Garfield County District Court, is among the largest wrongful death awards for a single plaintiff in state history.

Wongel Estifanos, hailing from Colorado Springs, was at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park with her family during Labor Day weekend in 2021 when the accident occurred on the Haunted Mine Drop.

Investigation paperwork reviewed by Fox News Digital shows Estifanos was not buckled into her seat properly before the ride started.

Estifanos family with Wongel

Wongel Estifanos dropped 10 stories to her death from a ride at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.  (Rahel Estifanos and Estifanos Dagne)

Kimberly Marcum, Glenwood Caverns marketing director, stated that co-defendant Soaring Eagle Inc. had “produced the Haunted Mine Drop with a faulty restraint system, leading to this tragic incident.”

Marcum also indicated the manufacturer had certified the attraction as safe despite a defective restraint system. 

“Our sympathies are with the Estifanos family,” Marcum expressed, noting that Glenwood Caverns is “considering all possibilities to continue operations, serve our guests, and contribute to the community.”

Prosecutors opted not to file criminal charges against Glenwood Caverns, due to difficulties in proving manslaughter, though the civil trial allowed Estifanos’ family their opportunity to be heard in court.

“They are grateful to the people of Garfield County for being so kind to them during this long trial,” added Caplis in his statement.

Fox News Digital also contacted Soaring Eagle Inc for comment, but did not hear back.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Former DACA recipient with violent criminal past flees ICE, tries balcony jump during Chicago arrest

DACA Recipient with Criminal Record Attempts Daring Escape from ICE in Chicago

This week in Chicago, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents apprehended…
Man dies at Grand Canyon after slipping over edge, falling more than 100 feet, sheriff's office says

Tragic Accident: Man Falls Over 100 Feet to His Death at Grand Canyon, Authorities Report

A tragic incident unfolded this week at the Grand Canyon, where a…
Miami-Dade deputy fatally shot during altercation, prompting massive police response

Tragic Miami-Dade Incident: Deputy Fatally Shot Sparks Extensive Police Operation

A Miami-Dade deputy tragically lost his life in a shooting incident on…
Jacksonville Fair, law enforcement assure safety amid viral 'Fair Takeover' concern

Jacksonville Fair Boosts Security Measures in Response to ‘Fair Takeover’ Buzz

The Jacksonville Fair, a beloved local tradition known for its thrilling rides,…
Seattle robber bites off 88-year-old woman's finger during violent robbery, police say

Shocking Seattle Crime: 88-Year-Old Woman’s Finger Severed in Brutal Robbery Attack

An elderly woman from Seattle, aged 88, is recovering in the hospital…
Coast Guard swoops in to save stranded sailors from sinking boat hundreds of miles off coast

Heroic Coast Guard Rescue: Dramatic Save of Stranded Sailors from Sinking Vessel Miles Offshore

Five individuals were successfully rescued by the Coast Guard after their sailboat…
Duffy says air travel may take ‘days if not a week’ to return to normal, even after shutdown ends

Air Travel Chaos: Duffy Warns of Extended Delays Even After Shutdown Lifted

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on Friday that following the conclusion of…
At Turning Point USA event, Vice President JD Vance says he hopes his Hindu wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance, converts to Christianity

JD Vance Expresses Hope for Wife’s Faith Journey at Turning Point USA: A Christian Conversion Story in the Making?

In a recent address to a bustling college auditorium, Vice President JD…
Denmark's government aims to ban access to social media for children under 15

Denmark Proposes Legislation to Restrict Social Media Access for Minors Under 15

In a significant development, Denmark’s government has unveiled plans to ban social…
Russian drone strikes tower block in eastern Ukraine kills 3, injures 12

Tragic Drone Attack in Eastern Ukraine: 3 Dead, 12 Injured in Tower Block Strike

In a harrowing incident early Saturday morning, a Russian drone crashed into…
ABC7 Chicago Job: Desk Assistant

Homewood Family Triumphs with Stunning Feldco Windows After Contractor Setback with Baam Pro Services LLC

HOMEWOOD, Ill. (WLS) — A local resident faced delays and frustration after…
Mike Lupica: Giants need to turn positive Jaxson Dart start into wins

Mike Lupica: Giants Must Leverage Jaxson Dart’s Strong Start for Victory

Six years ago, the New York Giants were seen as a team…