Colorado Jury Awards $205 Million to Family of Child Who Died on Theme Park Ride
In a landmark verdict that stands as one of the largest wrongful death awards in Colorado history, a jury has ordered Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park and other defendants to pay $205 million to the family of 6-year-old Wongel Estifanos. The young girl from Colorado Springs tragically fell more than 100 feet to her death from the park’s Haunted Mine Drop ride during a family visit over Labor Day weekend in 2021. After four years of the theme park denying responsibility, the family finally received justice through this civil trial in Garfield County District Court. Their attorney stated that the family pursued the case not only to uncover the truth but also to prevent similar tragedies from happening to other families in the future.
The circumstances surrounding Wongel’s death reveal a disturbing series of errors and oversight failures. Investigation documents showed that the child was not properly secured in her seat before the ride began its dramatic 110-foot plunge. Rather than being buckled in correctly, she was seated on top of restraints that had been left buckled from a previous rider. Despite a warning alarm that should have alerted operators to the dangerous situation, staff overrode the system and started the ride anyway. The Haunted Mine Drop, which was the first of its kind to plunge riders underground into darkness, has since been permanently closed following this tragic incident. Court documents further revealed that the theme park had allegedly ignored previous customer complaints about unsafe practices on the ride.
The lawsuit, filed in 2022, painted a picture of systemic negligence rather than an isolated mistake. Investigators concluded that multiple staff errors contributed to Wongel’s death, including failure to properly prepare seat belts before allowing passengers to board. This revelation was particularly troubling given the nature of the ride, which simulated a ghostly presence sending riders plummeting downward in complete darkness before glowing lanterns would eventually illuminate the mine walls. The combination of thrill-seeking design and inadequate safety protocols created a fatal situation for the young girl who was simply enjoying a holiday weekend with her family.
In response to the verdict, Glenwood Caverns’ marketing director attempted to shift blame to co-defendant Soaring Eagle Inc., the company that manufactured the ride. In a statement, the theme park claimed the manufacturer had created “a defective restraint system that caused this heartbreaking accident” and had certified the attraction as safe despite these defects. While expressing that their “hearts go out to the family of Wongel Estifanos,” the park representatives indicated they were “exploring all options” to continue operations. This response suggests the company is considering appeals or other legal avenues to address the substantial financial impact of the judgment while maintaining their ability to serve guests and “continue to give back to the community.”
The legal journey for the Estifanos family has been complex and emotionally demanding. Despite the clear safety failures identified in the investigation, prosecutors had previously declined to pursue criminal charges against Glenwood Caverns. They cited challenges in proving manslaughter beyond a reasonable doubt in a criminal court. This civil trial, with its lower burden of proof, finally provided the family with an opportunity to present their case and hold responsible parties accountable. The family’s attorney noted that they were “grateful to the people of Garfield County for being so kind to them during this long trial,” highlighting the community support they received throughout the difficult legal process.
This case stands as a somber reminder of the critical importance of rigorous safety protocols in the amusement industry. The $205 million verdict, while substantial, cannot bring back Wongel Estifanos or erase the trauma experienced by her family. However, it does send a powerful message about accountability and the value of human life, particularly that of a child whose future was cut tragically short. For theme parks and attractions across the country, this case underscores that safety systems must not only exist but be consistently and properly implemented by well-trained staff who understand that bypassing warnings or taking shortcuts can have devastating consequences. While Glenwood Caverns contemplates its future operations in the wake of this judgment, families everywhere may find some reassurance that the justice system can respond meaningfully when preventable tragedies occur.
