California Theme Park Faces $205M Jury Award Over Fatal Ride Accident

A Colorado jury awarded $205 million to the family of 6-year-old Wongel Estifanos, who died after falling 10 stories from the Haunted Mine Drop ride at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in 2021. Investigations found Wongel was not properly buckled in and was sitting on her seatbelt when the ride started, with operators overriding a safety warning alarm indicating the restraint was unsecured. The wrongful death lawsuit cited the park's negligence, including a pattern of recklessness and improper operator training, while Glenwood Caverns blamed the ride manufacturer, Soaring Eagle, for a defective restraint system. Despite multiple errors by ride operators and inadequate training contributing to the death, no criminal charges were filed due to insufficient likelihood of conviction. Glenwood Caverns expressed concern that the large verdict could force the park to close, risking hundreds of local jobs. The family’s attorney believes the verdict sends a strong safety message to the amusement park industry to prevent future tragedies.