Michaud hopes he and Nakajjigos family can continue her legacy. Esther Nakajjigo and Ludovic Michaud at Arches National Park in eastern Utah. Instead, the Utah park became the site of a horrific accident that killed her. Credit: AP FILE - Delicate. Arches National Park is a 120-square-mile desert landscape near Moab, Utah, that is visited by more than 1.5 million people annually. Esther Nakajjigo's horrified husband was driving when a metal gate was whipped round in the wind and cut into the car where she was sitting and beheading her in Arches National Park in Utah, US. They were driving toward the exit when suddenly a gust of wind lifted a metal gate and the arm swung into the roadway. The large monetary damages being sought on behalf of Michaud and Nakajjigos parents are a reflection of the suffering they have gone through plus the loss of Nakajjigos future income and fundraising abilities, Chang said. 72 Join Insider . 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. "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. Family of Ugandan philanthropist decapitated by traffic gate in Arches 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. There is a lot of small things I miss.. Her husband, Michaud, is seeking $240 million in damages from the National Park Service, while Nakajjigo's family is seeking $30 million. Ugandan activist's family awarded $10.5M for Utah park death It feels lonely, and thats hard. She was particularly passionate about reducing teenage pregnancy and created two reality television shows that empowered women. Attorneys representing the U.S. commended her work, yet noted her most recent job was working at a restaurant making $15 per hour. Lorsque vous utilisez nos sites et applications, nous utilisons des, authentifier les utilisateurs, appliquer des mesures de scurit, empcher les spams et les abus; et. Nakajjigo was. Continuing her work brings him hope; he's already started a nonprofit in her name, the Esther Nakajjigo Foundation. The suit was filed last. Newlywed woman decapitated by car park entrance gate blown open in high Esther Nakajjigo and Ludovic Michaud at Arches National Park in eastern Utah in the hours before a gate swung into the couple's car, killing Nakajjigo. McGinn, representing Nakajjigos family, likened her to a nonprofit CEO for an American charity and said she would have likely made millions throughout her life. Ugandan activist's family awarded $10.5M for Utah park death She was subsequently named Ugandas ambassador for women and girls. The amount was far less than the $140 million Nakajjigos family originally sought. But on Friday, U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Nelson tried to give Michaud some peace of mind. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Esther Nakajjigo and her husband were visiting the regions national parks months after their wedding. The wind whipped a metal gate round which sliced through the passenger door of the car and decapitated Esther. Accident claims Ugandan activist Nakajjigo in US - New Vision Courtesy of. National Park Service faces $270M wrongful death claim - USA TODAY FILE - Delicate Arch is seen at Arches National Park on April 25, 2021, near Moab, Utah. What if he hadn't suggested the trip to Arches? Here's what lawmakers have directed schools to do, Can't take statins? Ugandan activist's family awarded $10.5M for Utah park death When he inhaled the copper-tinged smell of blood, turned to figure out what it was and saw his beheaded wife. The lawsuit was filed about a year after Nakajjigo was killed in June 2020, when wind apparently caused the unsecured, metal gate on the parks main road to swing around and strike her and her husbands car, decapitating her. The family of a womens rights activist who was killed in a gruesome accident at a national park is suing a US agency over her tragic death. Esther Nakajjigo was killed at Arches National Park in 2020. Arches accidental beheading trial ends, but verdict is still pending The amount was far less than the $140 million Nakajjigos family originally sought. Nakajjigo, who went by Essie, was a womens rights champion in Uganda. Cruise staffer fired after shock bathroom act, Passengers injured as turbulence rocks plane. Ms Nakajjigos husband said his wifes death was the worst thing I hope I will ever see. Burglar freezes at top of ladder after being caught stealing from attic during raid, 'I DIDN'T BREAK THE LAW' Matt Hancock tells lawyers he wants immunity on care home deaths during Covid pandemic, Interactive map shows exactly where snow could fall in UK as mercury nosedives to -7C, Doctor tells Harry he believes Prince has Attention Deficit Disorder in live Q&A, Kate Garraway shares Derek's final words as he believed he was about to die, Spencer Matthews 'furious' after Disney delays Everest doc as it shows dead bodies, Prince Harry insists he is 'NOT victim' and has never looked for sympathy in livestream Q&A with controversial 'toxic trauma' doctor, Cyclist pavement killer risks losing home as neighbours break silence, DIY SOS star Nick Knowles fires back as he's FAT SHAMED by 83 year old mum, Saturday Night Takeaway fans complain minutes into show at Ant and Dec's 'suspicious' habit, Cher, 76, shares candid update on relationship with 37-year-old boyfriend, Moment sonic boom 'like a gas explosion' shakes homes as RAF Typhoon aircraft scrambled, Inside Alison King's 50th birthday party as Corrie co-stars glam up to celebrate, Subscribe to Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror newspapers. Nakajjigo also created a reality television show in Uganda focused on helping teenage mothers stay in school and learn life skills. 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. deductible, Report a missed paper by emailingsubscribe@sltrib.comor calling801-237-2900, For e-edition questions or comments, contact customer support801-237-2900or emailsubscribe@sltrib.com. He was "instantly covered with blood," the complaint says. The lawsuit alleges that a simple $8 padlock could have prevented the gate from swinging, and claims the park violated regulations. Family sues after newlywed is killed by gate at Arches park The metal gate at Arches National Park, normally secured with a lock, was left untethered. By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's. John Ssenkindu, Esther's brother, told journalists that her sister was hit by a metallic gate of the Arches National Park in the US . 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. Michaud and his in-laws are asking a federal judge for $140 million. FILE Delicate Arch is seen at Arches National Park on April 25, 2021, near Moab, Utah. Esther Nakajjigo and Ludovic Michaud at Arches National Park in eastern Utah. Updated: Jan 31, 2023 / 03:49 PM MST. Nakajjigo, 25, was a Ugandan human rights activist and moved to Colorado in 2019 to attend the Watson Institute in Boulder. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Our mission is to make sure this doesnt happen again, the husband of Esther Nakajjigo told NBC News in an exclusive interview. In their legal complaint, Michaud and Nakajjigos parents said the National Park Service was negligent for not maintaining the gate. The smaller projection takes into account only the averages of a statistical black woman, she said; while the higher projections factor in that Nakajjigo was a real, extraordinary person. Nakajjigo had been celebrated for using money earmarked for her college tuition to instead open a nonprofit community health center in Uganda at age 17. 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 Family of Newlywed and Activist Decapitated at Utah's Arches National Ugandan activist's family awarded $10.5M for Utah park death Woman decapitated by metal gate in front of her horrified husband in The federal trial began Monday in Utah, where the husband and family of Nakajjigo are seeking $140 million in damages from the U.S. government, arguing in a complaint that the national park was negligent and failed to properly maintain the gate. The United States will pay more than $10 million in damages over the death of Esther Nakajjigo, a . Esther Nakajjigo was beheaded after the wind whipped a metal gate round cutting into the passenger side of the car, Esther Nakajjigo with her husband Ludovic Michaud, A picture of the gates that led to the young woman's death. He noted she had recently worked as a host at a restaurant around the time of her death and didnt have a Bachelors degree. Ugandan activist's family awarded $10.5M for Utah park death Everything reminds Michaud of Nakajjigo. The ongoing trial will largely focus on determining the damages that may go to her family and Michaud. Ugandan activist's family awarded $10.5M for Utah park death Denver Woman Decapitated By Gate: Family Files $270M - CBS News He has since been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and has struggled with flashbacks. Later, his chin trembled as Nelson delivered the government's apology. All rights reserved. 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. A lot of things remind me of her, Michaud told the Salt Lake Tribune. 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. Newlyweds Esther "Essie" Nakajjigo, 25, and Ludovic "Ludo" Michaud, 26, were driving to get ice cream during a camping trip June 13 when a metal gate blew closed in strong winds and sliced . Lindsay Whitehurst/AP 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. Find out more about our policy and your choices, including how to opt-out. She added that the plaintiffs' assumption that Nakajjigo would have taken a salary "far in excess" of most nonprofit CEOs is "simply contrary to everything the court has heard about her," Berndt said. Denver newlyweds' trip to Arches National Park ends with wife's Trial opens in death of woman killed by metal gate in Utah | wltx.com I was a couple of inches from dying, but I didnt, and right now I have a mission: Its to make sure what shes done continues.. 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. Family of activist decapitated by swinging gate at Utah park is awarded She later created a pair of reality television shows designed to empower women. He smiled at some points as he shared photos and memories of happier times affectionate birthday cards, silly nicknames, meals cooked together, the rose petals Nakajjigo arranged into the shape of a heart with an "I" and a "U" on either side. "On behalf of the United States, we again extend our condolences to Ms. Nakajjigos friends, family and beloved community. At other points, he dabbed at his eyes; he lived like a student before meeting Nakajjigo, he said, but she turned their apartment into a home. Nakajjigo married Denver man Ludovic Michaud in March 2020. All times AEDT (GMT +11). For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. dvelopper et amliorer nos produits et services. While much less than they were initially seeking, the family was clearly pleased with the results -- with attorney Zoe Littlepage calling the amount "the largest verdict from a federal judge in Utah history.". Denver woman's family awarded $10.5M for Utah park death But when she met Michaud in June 2019 in Aurora, Colorado, through a dating app, he just saw her as a smart person who loved to laugh. Her dreams were just about to come true, Chang said. The 25-year-old human rights activist and newlywed wife was killed on June 13, 2020, in Arches National Park. All rights reserved. Mail that Nakajjigo has continued to receive after her death has been a stark reminder of the life they should still be enjoying together. She was named Ugandas ambassador for women and girls. In his judgement, Jenkins said the government had provided a more reasonable projection of Nakajjigos earnings potential. Nakajjigo worked on fundraising to open a hospital in an underserved part of Kampala, Ugandas capital, became a philanthropic celebrity and immigrated to the United States for a fellowship at the Boulder, Colorado-based Watson Institute for emerging leaders. 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. One series reportedly had a weekly audience of 6.3 million viewers. 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. What if they had gone on a different day, or left at a different time? 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. As recreation areas in eastern Utah reopened that summer, Michaud was excited to take his new wife to Arches National Park, and the two drove there in June. sltrib.com 1996-2023 The Salt Lake Tribune. DENVER (CBS4) - The family of a Denver woman has filed a $270 million wrongful death claim against Arches National Park after she was killed there over the summer. The French national said he and his wife, who had only been married for three months and lived in Denver, Colorado, had been on a hike and had lunch before driving out of the park. Esther Nakajjigo, a native of Uganda, accomplished more at age 25 than most do in a lifetime. (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. 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. 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. A newlywed Denver couple's road trip to Arches National Park in Utah this summer ended in . The United Nations Population Fund awarded her a Woman Achiever Award," the claim states. SALT LAKE CITY Ludovic "Ludo" Michaud has tortured himself with a lot of "what ifs?" Activist, 25, hailed as 'future Oprah or Princess Diana' is 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). According to a court filing, the National Park Service and Arches National Park created a lethal and undetectable danger with the gate, which turned a metal pipe into a spear that went straight through the side of a car, decapitating and killing Esther Nakajjigo.. I didnt know who she was at first, Michaud, 26, told NBC News in his first interview since Nakajjigos death. The. 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. The familys lawyer Deborah Chang said the gate struck the car so suddenly and was so well blended into the surrounding landscape the honeymooning couple had no chance of avoiding it. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax Donate to the newsroom now. First published on November 12, 2020 / 2:34 PM. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Throughout the trial, attorneys debated estimates of Nakajjigos earnings potential. The gate narrowly avoided Michaud, who was left covered head to toe in his wife's blood. Trial begins over death of Ugandan woman killed in Utah park At age 17, Nakajjigo was recognized by the United Nations for her work for women, according to the claim. By age 25, when she died, she had accomplished more than most people do in an entire lifetime and had much more to do with her life, court documents state. A family is getting $10 million in the wrongful death of Ugandan human rights activist Esther Nakajjigo, who was decapitated by a swinging metal gate in Arches National Park, Utah.