Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Esther Nakajjigo was a Ugandan human rights activist and newlywed wife when the 25-year-old was killed at Arches National Park in 2020, decapitated by an unsecured gate that is now at the center of a wrongful death trial. "On behalf of the United States, we again extend our condolences to Ms. Nakajjigos friends, family and beloved community. The newly married Michaud and Nakajjigo took a weekend trip to Arches National Park as a welcome break after months of lockdown amid the pandemic, court documents said. The family of a woman beheaded by a metal gate in front of her husband at a national park has launched a lawsuit for $140million (115m). She was always willing to help, he said. Esther Nakajjigo, 25, was on a trip to the Utah park with her . I couldnt work properly for a couple of months. According to NBC, the claim was served Oct. 22, and alleges that if park employees had properly installed the gate to not swing into oncoming traffic or placed an $8 padlock on the gate to secure it from moving in the breeze, the world would not have lost a young woman influencer destined to become our societys future Princess Diana, Philanthropist Melinda Gates, or Oprah Winfrey.. SALT . The 25-year-old human rights activist and newlywed wife was killed on June 13, 2020, in Arches National Park. Donate to the newsroom now. The gruesome nature of Nakajjigo's death and the fact that she was a renowned Ugandan women's rights activist drew widespread attention to the case. in the two-plus years since his wife, Esther "Essie" Nakajjigo, was hit and killed by an unsecured gate while the couple was leaving Arches National Park. (Athea Trial Lawyers) Esther Nakajjigo is shown in this undated photo. One series reportedly had a weekly audience of 6.3 million viewers. 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Family of Ugandan philanthropist decapitated by traffic gate in Arches What happened during the 2023 Utah Legislature. sltrib.com 1996-2023 The Salt Lake Tribune. The family of a Ugandan young girl child activist, Esther Nakajjigo who died in the United States of America (USA) have asked government to help them repatriate her body, to be accorded a decent burial. Ugandan activist's family awarded $10.5M for Utah park death Twist after newlywed decapitated by gate at national park - Yahoo! Disputing the family's claims the victim was on track to become the CEO of a non-profit who could eventually have netted an annual income in the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. "You bear no responsibility. The closing arguments came after five days of trial that included testimony from Nakajjigo's family, friends and mentors, as well as from bystanders who witnessed the accident. Nakajjigo, who was 25, lived with her husband in Denver, where she moved to attend a leadership course on a full scholarship. She rose from poverty to become the host of a solutions-oriented reality television series in Uganda focused on empowering women on issues such as education and healthcare, and had successfully raised funds to build health care facilities in her hometown. She was named as Ugandas ambassador for women and girls and received an award from the United Nations after she used her university tuition money to start a non-profit community centre that offered free healthcare to girls and women aged 10 to 24. "The show saw an audience of 6.3 million each week, and Nakajjigo was named Uganda's 'Young Personality of the Year,'" the Post reported. Ms Nakajjigo and her husband, Ludo Michaud, 26, were driving out of the scenic parks carpark when wind caught the unlatched gate and the metal pole on top sliced through the side of their rental car and hit Ms Nakajjigo in the head and neck, killing her instantly. Nakajjigo was not sure where she wanted to work whether it was in the U.S., back in Uganda or elsewhere but Michaud was willing to follow her wherever she could continue to make the most impact. In their legal complaint, Michaud and Nakajjigos parents said the National Park Service was negligent for not maintaining the gate. Activist Esther Nakajjigo's family beg Ugandan government to return "The National Park Service has, in fact, known for decades that an unsecured metal pipe gate creates an undetectable hazard and dangerous condition," the claim states, as reported by CBS Denver.. $270 MILLION LAWSUIT Nothing we can say makes up for your loss. Recreation areas had recently opened after pandemic-era closures and, on the edge of Arches, a metal gate normally secured with a lock was left untethered. The United States will pay more than $10 million in damages over the death of Esther Nakajjigo, a . The National Park Service has not commented in relation to the new lawsuit but has previously released a statement expressing sympathy for the young womans death. Trial begins two years after newlywed was beheaded by metal gate at This decision serves as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and safety measures in our national parks, so as to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future, Michaud said in a statement to CBS News on Monday. Ugandan activist's family awarded $10.5M for Utah park death The United States will pay more than $10 million in damages over the death of Esther Nakajjigo, a prominent Ugandan human rights activist killed in Arches National Park in 2020. IE 11 is not supported. Nakajjigo received numerous international accolades and awards and had come to the United States to further her education, participating in programs at Drexel University in Philadelphia as a Mandela Washington Fellow and at the Watson Institute in Boulder, Colorado, where she was the recipient of a Luff Peace Fellowship. The trial gave me and Essies family members an opportunity to tell Essies beautiful story, and it was so important to me to have the chance to stand up and speak for this amazing woman.. You wouldnt able to detect it or see it, she told Fox 13. (Julie Jacobson | AP file photo) A Denver man has filed a $270 million wrongful death claim, a precursor to a lawsuit, against the National Park Service after a metal gate at Arches National Park collided collided with his car on June 13, killing his wife. SALT LAKE CITY (AP) 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 federal judge ruled Monday. It's really a full-time job," he said. Nakajjigo's family sued the government for the largest federal award ever asked for in both state and national history, according to plaintiffs' attorney Randi McGinn, seeking $140 million in damages. "For want of an $8.00 basic padlock, our world lost an extraordinary warrior for good; a young woman influencer who was destined to become our society's future Princess Diana, Philanthropist Melinda Gates or Oprah Winfrey," read the initial claim from Nakajjigo's husband and family. Esther Nakajjigo was killed at Arches National Park in 2020. Michaud, Nakajjigo's husband, spoke about the intense trauma he's endured since his wife's death, including sleeplessness, nightmares and suicidal ideation. The trip to the wind-weathered sandstone of Arches National Park was supposed to be a celebration a chance for Ludovic Michaud, of Denver, to show his new wife one of his favorite landmarks. But on Friday, U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Nelson tried to give Michaud some peace of mind. The claim she served is legally required before a lawsuit can be filed in court. "We respect the judges decision and hope this award will help her loved ones as they continue to heal for this tragedy," added the U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. The last thing she said to him was, "Babe, I had the best time of my life." The family says under federal park rules, similar gates should be secured, but the gate that struck Ms Nakajjigo had been unlatched for weeks, Fox 13 reports. He noted she had recently worked as a host at a restaurant around the time of her death and didnt have a Bachelors degree. Nakajjigo created a reality TV show that helped child mothers stay in school and develop life skills, according to The Denver Post. Nakajjigos remains were flown back to Uganda in August. Nakajjigo was decapitated after wind swung an untethered metal gate into her car, killing her immediately as her husband sat in the seat next to her. Nakajjigo, who was 25, lived with her. The United States will pay more than $10 million in damages over the death of Esther Nakajjigo, a prominent Ugandan human rights activist killed in Arches National Park in 2020 "Because (Nakajjigo) is off the charts, you can't use the charts to evaluate her," McGinn said. She met Michaud on Tinder in 2019, when she was attending a leadership program in Boulder, Colorado. Michaud and his in-laws are asking a federal judge for $140 million. Si vous souhaitez personnaliser vos choix, cliquez sur Grer les paramtres de confidentialit. It impaled their car and decapitated Nakajjigo. By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's. In his judgement, Jenkins said the government had provided a more reasonable projection of Nakajjigos earnings potential. Nakajjigo donated her own college fund to start a hospital, Berndt said; she raised money for charities and never took a salary. Diana Dasrath is entertainment producer and senior reporter for NBC News covering all platforms. The gate had been unsecured for the previous two weeks, despite national park requirements that prohibit gates from swinging, according to the complaint filed in U.S. District Court. The same year, Nakajjigo was named Ugandas ambassador for women and girls. A newlywed Denver couple's road trip to Arches National Park in Utah this summer ended in . When she was 17, she donated her university tuition money to start a private, nonprofit community health center that she named the Princess Diana Health Centre. "For want of an $8 basic padlock, our world lost an extraordinary warrior for good," the claim continues. But on June 13, she and her husband needed a break from quarantine and headed toward Arches National Park in Utah. The United States will pay more than $10 million in damages over the death of Esther Nakajjigo, a prominent Ugandan human rights activist killed in Arches National Park in 2020. Newlywed woman decapitated by car park entrance gate blown open in high Ugandan activist's family awarded $10.5M for Utah park death They were driving toward the exit when suddenly a gust of wind lifted a metal gate and the arm swung into the roadway. National parks begin to reopen across the country. Attorneys representing Michaud and Nakajjigos parents asked for $140 million in damages, while the government said an appropriate award would be roughly $3.5 million. 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 federal judge ruled Monday. Mail that Nakajjigo has continued to receive after her death has been a stark reminder of the life they should still be enjoying together. He no longer has a TV in his apartment because the sight of any blood is triggering, he said. This photo was taken in the hours before a gate swung into the couple's car, killing Nakajjigo. Esther Nakajjigo was born in poverty in Kampala, Uganda, and rose to become a celebrated human rights activist through her work focusing on preventing teen pregnancy. Esther Nakajjigo, 25, was driving around the stunning Arches National Park in Utah, US, in 2020 along with her husband Ludovic Michaud when the unthinkable happened. Nakajjigo also created a reality television show in Uganda focused on helping teenage mothers stay in school and learn life skills. Ugandan activist's family awarded $10.5M for Utah park death She was named Ugandas ambassador for women and girls. Vous pouvez modifier vos choix tout moment en cliquant sur le lien Tableau de bord sur la vie prive prsent sur nos sites et dans nos applications. . Our mission is to make sure this doesnt happen again, the husband of Esther Nakajjigo told NBC News in an exclusive interview. Something went wrong, please try again later. Michaud was the last plaintiff witness in the civil trial over the June 13, 2020, death of his wife, Esther Nakajjigo. FILE - Delicate Arch is seen at Arches National Park on April 25, 2021, near Moab, Utah. The family of a womens rights activist who was decapitated in an accident on a trip with her new husband has sued the US government agency responsible for the park where she died. Esther Nakajjigo (credit: Ludovic Michaud). Michaud said he and Nakajjigo were two weeks shy of closing on a condo when the accident occurred, with hopes of owning a house down the road. $140M trial begins over death of Ugandan woman killed in Utah park Esther Nakajjigo and Ludovic Michaud at Arches National Park in eastern Utah. Michaud's wife, Esther Nakajjigo, 25, was a celebrated human rights activist in her home country of Uganda. Family of Woman Decapitated by Swinging Gate at State Park Awarded $10. (Athea Trial Lawyers) Esther Nakajjigo is shown in this undated photo. Esther Nakajjigo, a native of Uganda, accomplished more at age 25 than most do in a lifetime. Nakajjigo, 25, was a Ugandan human rights activist and moved to Colorado in 2019 to attend the Watson Institute in Boulder. Picture: Handout The family of a women's rights activist who was decapitated in an accident on a trip with her new husband has sued the US government agency responsible for the park where she died. The Associated Press SALT LAKE CITY (AP) 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. Drenched in his wifes blood, Michaud instinctively jumped out of the slowly moving car after impact, then got back in to put it in park. On June 13, she was needlessly decapitated by a metal gate that swung into the couples car as they were exiting the Arches parking lot on their way to go get ice cream, according to a wrongful death administrative claim exclusively obtained by NBC News. Nakajigos family and Michaud are suing the U.S. government for negligence as well as negligent infliction of emotional distress on the part of Michaud, who had to witness the grisly scene. They argued that had employees installed the gate properly and secured it with an $8 padlock, Nakajjigos death could have been prevented, NBC News reported. The gate narrowly avoided Michaud, who was left covered head to toe in his wife's blood. The trial began in December and in court, per the AP, family attorney Randi McGinn reportedly argued Nakajjigo could have eventually brought in hundreds of thousands, if not millions, annually had she survived. What if he hadn't suggested the trip to Arches? Here's what lawmakers have directed schools to do, Can't take statins? She met Ludovic Michaud in Boulder, Colorado, when she went there for a leadership accelerator program in 2019, and the two of them married in March 2020. In pink tops and white pants, women celebrate free period products becoming available in Utahs state buildings, Proposal to boost Utah bar licenses gets smaller with another round of cuts by lawmakers, Moab, Park City cry foul as Utah lawmakers target rules for vacation homes. $270M Claim Filed Against National Park Service After Woman's Death Credit: AP FILE - Delicate. "I'm doing whatever I can to get better. By his verdict, Judge Bruce Jenkins has shown the world how the American justice system works to hold its own government accountable and greatly values all lives, including that of Esther Nakajjigo, a remarkable young woman from Uganda, Randi McGinn, the familys attorney said in a statement. Nakajjigo, who was 25, lived with her. 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 . I felt completely meaningless after losing Nakajjigo, he said. Family of Ugandan activist who was decapitated at UT national park gets The family of Ugandan philanthropist Esther Nakajjigo, who was decapitated by a traffic gate in front of her husband in Arches National Park in Utah, has been awarded $10.5m. Posted at 10:15 PM, Nov 12, 2020 The gate narrowly missed Michaud, who was driving. Family of Newlywed and Activist Decapitated at Utah's Arches National 2023 EHM Productions, Inc. All rights reserved. Esther Nakajjigo and Ludovic Michaud at Arches National Park in eastern Utah. Yet park employees could have done a lot, the claim alleges, including taking note during inspections of the gate that it posed a danger and putting an inexpensive padlock on it. There is a lot of small things I miss.. The claim, served Oct. 22, is seeking more than $270 million in damages from the National Park Service. Woman's decapitation at Arches National Park leads to $270M wrongful Seven people have been rushed to hospital after severe turbulence on a flight led to an emergency landing. Esther Nakajjigo (credit: Ludovic Michaud) Nakajjigo, 25, was a Ugandan human rights activist and moved to Colorado in 2019 to attend the Watson Institute in Boulder. Additionally, Berndt said the plaintiffs can only speculate on what Nakajjigo might have done had she lived, and the court can't ignore that "in favor of dreams and potential.". First published on November 12, 2020 / 2:34 PM. It feels lonely, and thats hard. Esther Nakajjigo was driving with her newlywed husband on their honeymoon in Arches when an open road gate was swung by strong winds into their rental car. Ugandan activist's family awarded $10.5 million for Utah death - Los Nakajjigo was a women's rights champion in her home country of Uganda; she founded a nonprofit community health center using her college tuition money, and created two reality TV shows centered around empowering women. IE 11 is not supported. The lawsuit filed by Ludovic Michaud, of Denver, claims his wife Esther Nakajjigo was decapitated while in the passenger seat of a car exiting Arches National Park. 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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 federal judge ruled Monday. In opening statements Monday in Salt Lake City, their attorneys said they were seeking $140 million (115m) in damages from the government accounting for Esther's earning potential. Denver newlyweds' trip to Arches National Park ends with wife's One of his regrets is not saying, "I love you," one more time. $10.5 million awarded to family of Denver woman killed at Arches None. US attorneys have said this claim was too speculative to be used as a basis for damages. Newlyweds Esther "Essie" Nakajjigo and Ludovic Michaud visited the park in mid June. Get informative articles and interesting stories delivered to your inbox weekly. Throughout the trial, attorneys debated estimates of Nakajjigos earnings potential. Its a fear of erasing her, I guess, when you use something that she bought or that she ate or that we did together, he said. According to Deborah Chang, the Los Angeles-based trial attorney representing Michaud, there was nothing he could have done to swerve out of the way of the gate that killed his wife and narrowly missed him. Itd be like me pointing a piece of paper to you on its most narrow side. Ugandan activist's family awarded $10.5M for Utah park death Cruise staffer fired after shock bathroom act, Passengers injured as turbulence rocks plane. But now, Michaud said, he returns to an apartment that doesn't feel like a home. Ms Chang described the part of the gate that struck Ms Nakajjigo as being like a metal spear or a lance and hit the car in literally a split second. Updated: Jan 31, 2023 / 03:49 PM MST. Nakajjigo, who went by Essie, was a womens rights champion in Uganda. Arches National Park is best known for its pristine sandstone arches and its massive red Delicate Arch, which has featured in countless Instagram photos.. On October 22, Michaud filed a wrongful death claim against the US National Parks Service seeking . She was also awarded a full scholarship from the king of Buganda. This photo was taken in the hours before a gate swung into the couple's car, killing Nakajjigo. As the couple was leaving the park, gusts of wind swung the gate around rapidly, enough to slice through the passenger side door of the couples car, decapitating Nakajjigo as her husband sat feet away in the drivers seat. Having received numerous international accolades and awards, Nakajjigo came to the United States to further her education, where she met Michaud a video streaming technology solution architect via a dating app. Esther Nakajjigo was killed at Arches National Park in 2020. Get Toofab breaking news sent right to your browser! Denver woman killed during visit to Arches National Park At age 17, she used her college tuition money to start a nonprofit community health center, which provided free reproductive health services to young women and girls. NBC wrote that Nakajjigo had come to the United States to further her education, participating in programs at Drexel University in Philadelphia as a Mandela Washington Fellow and at the Watson Institute in Boulder, Colo., where she was the recipient of a Luff Peace Fellowship., Michaud, originally of France, was uninjured in the accident, but, according to NBCs report, has since been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder., Donate to the newsroom now. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax The trial gave me and Essies family members an opportunity to tell Essies beautiful story, and it was so important to me to have the chance to stand up and speak for this amazing woman.. Nakajjigo was decapitated after wind swung an untethered metal gate into her . Nationwide News Pty Ltd 2023. 'Shadow pandemic': Women, girls bear unequal share of Covid-19 burden, U.N. official warns, National parks begin to reopen across the country. During the trials opening statements in December, Nakajjigo was described as a pearl beyond price with limitless potential. At age 17, Nakajjigo. ", In 2020, Ludovic Michaud was driving with his 25-year-old wife Esther Nakajjigo out of Utah's Arches National Park to get ice cream on June 13 when a metal gate swung into the car and cut her head off, according to a wrongful death administrative claim obtained by NBC News. Outside's long reads email newsletter features our strongest writing, most ambitious reporting, and award-winning storytelling about the outdoors. But U.S. Attorney Amanda Berndt said while there's no question that the plaintiffs are entitled to a reward, a proper calculation of Nakajjigo's lost earnings must include the possibility that she might have left the workforce at some point for a variety of reasons. The United States will pay more than $10 million in damages over the death of Esther Nakajjigo, a prominent Ugandan human rights activist killed in Arches National Park in 2020. Ms Nakajjigos husband said his wifes death was the worst thing I hope I will ever see. The ongoing trial will largely focus on determining the damages that may go to her family and Michaud. Denver woman's family awarded $10.5M for Utah park death Woman decapitated by metal gate in front of her horrified husband in New pill cuts cholesterol, heart attacks, Suspect in Dylan Rounds disappearance charged with murder. SALT LAKE CITY (AP) The United States will pay family members of a Ugandan human rights activist killed in an accident at Arches National Park more than . Esther Nakajjigo beheaded by gate at Utah's Arches National Park | news The gruesome nature of Nakajjigo's death and the fact that she was a renowned Ugandan women's rights activist drew widespread attention to the case. Family of newlywed woman 'DECAPITATED by metal gate' at Utah national After seeing a pregnant 14-year-old girl die during a difficult delivery, Nakajjigo decided to use her college tuition money to start a nonprofit community health center that provided free reproductive health services to females aged 10-24.
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