The former owners of Adventureland Park have reached a settlement with the family of Michael Jaramillo, an 11-year-old boy who tragically lost his life on the Raging River Ride in 2021. The resolution occurred just one day before the trial was set to commence, as announced by KCCI Senior Reporter Todd Magel.
Michael died on July 3, 2021, when the raft he and his family were on overturned, trapping him underwater. The event was devastating not only for the family but for the community, culminating in a lawsuit against the amusement park’s former owners, including former CEO Mike Krantz. The Jaramillo family alleged that Adventureland did not adequately train its staff and made unauthorized changes to the ride’s safety measures.
Fred Dorr, the attorney representing the Jaramillo family, stated that he was prepared to present expert testimony indicating that the 1,700-pound raft was flawed and that safety protocols were not followed. The Jaramillo family’s father, David, has frequently expressed the deep emotional toll the tragedy has taken on him, stating that there is no amount of money that can compensate for the loss of a child but that they hope this case sends a significant message regarding ride safety.
The specifics of the settlement remain confidential, but it has been confirmed that the family believes safety oversight in the amusement park industry must be improved to prevent future tragedies. Dorr noted that the magnitude of possibly losing the case placed immense pressure on the former owners to resolve the matter.
An attorney for the Jaramillo family reiterated that while this legal journey ends without bringing Michael back, it underscores serious safety concerns within the amusement park industry. The family hopes that this incident raises awareness and prompts necessary changes to ensure safer amusement rides both regionally and nationally.
This tragic event serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of safety in recreational environments, and the hope that continuous improvements can be made to protect families enjoying these attractions.