[Warning: Potentially Triggering Content]
In an era full of scary stories, this is still one of the scariest. And now there is finally some resolution, at least not legal…
For those who have never heard shocking stories from Esther “Essie” NakajigoA seemingly impossible death, this… A 25-year-old Ugandan women’s rights activist visited Utah’s Arches State Park with her husband. Ludovic Michaud in June 2020. They were apparently going for ice cream when a strong wind blew the unsecured entrance gate to the car. A metal gate came slicing through the vehicle. As stated in the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Michaud, “the spear-like end of the gate penetrated the side of the car and pierced like a hot knife through butter.” It flew straight to Essie’s side. He was immediately beheaded. The gate almost hit Ludovic – instead he was covered in his wife’s blood.
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The widow denied in her claim that US National Park Service careless about maintaining the gate – and a cheap padlock can ensure that the gate cannot be moved, even in the wind. One-in-a-million accidents can be prevented for a few bucks. Ester’s husband and his family also said that the government should try to do all the charity fund-raising that will be done. At the age of 17 she founded a non-profit organization to support women’s health. Over the next few years she continued to focus on charity, even creating two reality shows to empower women (one of which reportedly very popular in Uganda). He’s just getting started. The complaint resulted in:
“For wanting a basic $8.00 padlock, our world is losing an incredible warrior for good; a young female influencer destined to be the future of our society Princess DianaPhilanthropist Melinda Gates or Oprah Winfrey.”
Hyperbolic? perhaps. But the fact remains, Essie is clearly devoted to making the world a better place – and she was taken early by a preventable accident. He asked for $270 million. The government admitted it was wrong and apologized – but tried to push the figure down to $3.5 million.
The trial, which took place in December last year, lasted just one week. Last weekend, the decision on the number of awards finally came…
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US District Judge Bruce Jenkins awarded the family $ 10.5 million. Hardly separating differences with the government, right? While he agreed that the accident was “horrific and horrific” he also noted that none of the victims were US citizens – Ludovic was French. Not sure what makes the difference, but OK. In the end the widower will get $9.5 million, Essie’s parents will get another million.
Even though it didn’t come close to what they asked for, the family seemed relieved to have won. Nakajjigo family lawyer Randy McGinn said:
“With his ruling, Judge Bruce Jenkins has shown the world how the American justice system can hold its own government accountable and respect all lives, including Esther Nakajjigo, an extraordinary young woman from Uganda.”
And Ludovic issued a statement this week:
“This decision is a reminder of the importance of maintenance and safety measures in our national parks, in order to prevent similar incidents in the future.”
He added sentimentally:
“The trial gave me and the members of Essie’s family the opportunity to tell Essie’s wonderful story, and it was very important for me to have the opportunity to stand up and speak about this amazing woman. This trial and the verdict have helped me significantly in the healing process and in a journey to find peace.
We will never know exactly what the world lost when this young woman was killed in such a horrible way. But at least his family wasn’t rejected.
What do you think about this verdict??
[Image via CBS Colorado/YouTube.]