GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO – A jury has awarded $205 million to the family of a six-year-old girl who tragically died in an amusement park accident at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in 2021. The verdict comes after years of legal battles centered on the wrongful death of Wongel Estifanos, who was ejected from her seat on the Haunted Mine Drop ride.
The jury’s decision mandates that Glenwood Caverns Holdings, LLC, the park’s owner, and Soaring Eagle Inc., the ride’s manufacturer, pay $123 million in punitive damages and $82 million for wrongful death. The case has highlighted significant safety concerns within the amusement park industry.
Investigations revealed that Estifanos was not properly restrained in her seat, despite a warning light indicating a malfunction. The ride attendant reportedly reset the system and proceeded with the ride, leading to the fatal incident. The state’s investigation pointed to multiple operator errors, including failure to ensure the use of the passenger restraint system and a lack of comprehension of the ride’s control panel alerts.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park attributed part of the responsibility to Soaring Eagle Inc., claiming the ride had a defective restraint system. The park expressed condolences to the family, acknowledging the tragic nature of the accident but also highlighting the financial risk the verdict poses to the park’s future and local employment.
The family’s attorney emphasized the broader impact of the verdict, suggesting it serves as a stern warning to amusement park operators nationwide to prioritize safety. He noted that while the financial compensation is substantial, no amount could truly compensate for the loss of a child.
The attorney also mentioned the ongoing nature of legal proceedings, with several post-trial motions expected. Despite the challenges, he expressed hope that the verdict would help the family find some measure of peace and recognition of their daughter’s value.
This case underscores the critical importance of safety in amusement park operations and may prompt industry-wide changes to prevent future tragedies.