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
Pennsylvania mother arrested after police make horrifying discovery in closet

Shocking Closet Find Leads to Arrest of Pennsylvania Mother

A Pennsylvania woman faces charges after police found the remains of her…
Girl shot in the head in Minneapolis church attack is making 'miraculous' progress, family says

Family Reports ‘Astonishing’ Recovery of Girl Hit by Gunfire During Minneapolis Church Attack

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A 12-year-old girl shot in the head during the…
Trump ties autism to Tylenol use in pregnancy, but doctors tell us it's untrue

Doctors refute Trump’s claims linking Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism

Doctors told us in this case, an association between the two things…
North Carolina detention officer fired after allegedly posting 'I am Antifa' on social media

North Carolina Detention Officer Dismissed Over Alleged ‘I Am Antifa’ Social Media Post

A sheriff’s office in North Carolina terminated one of its detention officers…
Illinois could be facing 'tick invasion,' experts warn of possible increase in Lyme disease

Illinois May Experience a Surge in Ticks, Raising Lyme Disease Concerns, Experts Say

CHICAGO (WLS) — Experts said Illinoisans should be aware of the increase…
Secret Service Uncovers Telecom Threat Near UN

Secret Service Identifies Telecommunications Threat Close to UN

The phone-disrupting scheme was one of the most sweeping communications threats ever…
US Justice Department official questions retired FBI agent's role in $1.4B Sandy Hook lawsuit

US DOJ Examines Retired FBI Agent’s Involvement in $1.4B Sandy Hook Lawsuit

A senior official of the U.S. Justice Department dispatched a letter to…
Vystar Ballpark to host first playoff game in decades

Vystar Ballpark Set to Host Its First Playoff Game in Many Years

For the first time in over a decade, Vystar Ballpark will play…
Video shows youth baseball players running for cover as shots ring out at game

Video Captures Moment Youth Baseball Players Take Cover Amid Gunfire at Game

Several individuals have been pinpointed as suspects following gunfire at a Houston-area…
Israeli Strike Kills Four American Citizens in Lebanon

Four American Citizens Killed in Israeli Attack in Lebanon

An Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon killed five people, including three…
Secret Service dismantles 'telecommunications threat' near UN General Assembly in New York

Secret Service Neutralizes Communication Threat Near UN in New York

The U.S. Secret Service said Tuesday that it “dismantled a network of…
Son of woman murdered by man now on death row asks Alabama to stop his execution

Victim’s Son Urges Alabama to Halt Execution of Convicted Murderer

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Will Berry was 11 when his mother was…