Child Injury Lawyer Blog

By J. Rock Palermo, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Shrevport, Louisiana, Sheldon Lewis, age 4, suffered critical injury while attending the Louisiana State Fair. According to the State Fire Marshal, the injuries could have been avoided if safety protocols were followed by the ride operator. In particular, it was reported that the accident and resulting personal injuries could have been avoided if the amusement park ride operator turned the ride off and then removed the key. Another child had pushed a start button to the ride while Sheldon Lewis was on the ride platform. As a result of the unexpected start of the ride, Sheldon became trapped between the floor of the ride and the moving cars on the ride identified as The Twin Ring Demolition Derby. See Fire Marshal Releases Information Regarding Louisiana State Fair Ride Accident Causing Serious Personal Injuries to Sheldon Lewis. See Fire Marshal - Operator Error Was a Factor in Louisiana State Fair Accident.

Parents and other visitors to amusement parks expect that the rides are properly managed and that all reasonable safety measures are followed for safety purposes. This is especially important for children who are frequent visitors to amusement parks, theme parks, and fairs. Safety should always be the primary focus of a ride operator. Unfortunately, mistakes are made from time and time which, in turn, can cause serious personal injuries to children.

The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know has chapters on Amusement Park and Theme Park Injuries, Damages / Compensation, Medical Bills / Medical Treatment, and other topics. The book is a good resource for parents looking for some guidance and answers when a child suffers personal injuries as a result of the negligence of another person or business. See Free Child Injury Book for Parents Seeking Answers When a Child Is Injured.

By Benjamin Klopman, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Child injured on Maryland State Fair swing ride. A 9 year old boy was injured at the state fair in Timonium, Maryland when he decided to exit the ride while it was still in motion. According to officials this Incident was the most serious injury at the fair this year. The injured child was taken to Johns Hopkins Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. The severity of the child's injuries is unknown.

Millions of people attend state fairs every year. While at the fair, theme park, or amusement park, it is important to keep a watchful eye on your children. As a parent, you should always check regulations regarding age and height requirements for all rides. It the the job of the Maryland Department of Labor to inspect the safety of all the rides at the Maryland State Fair. For more information see, Maryland Sate Fair Swing Ride- 9 Year Old Child Injured.

Dealing with a child injury can be very difficult and stressful for the parent. There are a number of issues and problems that arise when a child suffers an injury. The book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know has chapters on Amusement and Theme Park Injuries, Water Park Injuries, Day Care Center Injuries, Damages / Compensations, and other topics. You can received this book for free at Free Child Injury Book for Parents.

By Will Brown, Attorney & David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Quinetta Tubbs, owner of NaNa’s Day Care in Ohio, was charged with child endangering and obstructing official business after leaving a two-year-old Micah Davis at Clippard Park following a field trip. Tracy Davis, Micah’s mother, was informed of the incident by Tubbs. Thereafter, Tubbs asked the mother to lie to the police and tell the police that the child was at a birthday party. Tubbs was released on a $1,000 bond. Child and Family Services is investigating NaNa's Day Care, but the mother said she does not want to press charges.

Day care employees need to be more aware of the children under their guidance, care, and supervision. Children of all ages, including two-year-olds, can get separated from the group easily, especially when on a field trip.

Parents need to make sure their day care centers have precautions in place for when they travel outside of the facility. While there are several ways to keep a group together, one way is to have all of the wear the same T-shirt or same color T-shirt.

Secondly, they should follow single file, and hold hands. Children should be instructed to alert a teacher if the person who was once holding their hand is not holding it anymore. They should also be instructed to alert a teacher if they see someone wander off or if their friend goes missing. Small tasks such as these can make a big difference in keeping children safe on field trips or other outside facility trips.

Finally, and most importantly, a simple checklist that is reviewed and documented before and after each stop can prevent most incidents from taking place.

For more information, see Day Care Worker Accused Of Leaving Toddler At Park

By Will Brown, Attorney & David Wolf, Attorney Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Amusement parks in Ohio and nationwide that has taken a hit over the past few years due to the economic downturn are finally starting to bounce back. Crowds increased at many amusement parks in 2010; Six Flags Entertainment Corp. based in Grand Prairie, Texas, and Cedar Fair Entertainment Co. based in Sundusky, Ohio both reported an increase in attendance nationwide. Other regional parks also experienced modest gains.

Gary Slade, editor and publisher of Amusement Today said that parks are spending more money on new rides and attractions this year than the previous season. Bush Gardens in Tampa, Florida and Six Flags located in Georgia are opening new roller coaster attractions, and several other theme parks are making new additions to their water rides.

The increase in attendance at amusement parks is likely to cause an increase in personal injuries to both park riders as well as bystanders. While some participants will incur minor injuries such as bruises and skin abrasions, others will not be so lucky and will end up with serious injuries such as broken bones, head and spinal injuries and sometimes even death can occur.

If you have been injured at an amusement park there are some factors to take into consideration in order to make a successful legal claim. First, you must prove your injuries were caused by another person that is a member of the amusement park staff or management. Second, the amusement park injury should be caused by either direct/indirect negligence of that amusement park. Lastly, you should report the injury as soon as possible; the more time that goes by the more the park can cast doubt on your injury.

Amusement park owners should provide all ride operators and other employees with enough training so they understand ride restrictions, all warnings necessary to safely participate in the ride, crowd control methods, and company policy for potentially hazardous situations. Park owners are legally responsible to third parties for the acts their employees that are within the scope of employment.

The best ways to prevent personal injury at an amusement park is to exercise good judgment and common sense. Other tips include: always follow posted height, weight, and age restrictions; seat small children on the inside of the ride away from open sides; and make sure a ride has adequate restraints for your child’s age and size. For more information on this topic, see Thrill is back, so are crowds at amusement parks.

By David Wolf, Attorney and Robert Fernicola, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In New Jersey, a tragic death was reported. Abiah Jones, age 11, fell from a Ferris wheel ride at Morley Piers Mariner's Landing Pier during a school field trip to the New Jersey amusement park. She was later transported to Cape Regional Medical Center where she was pronounced dead. It was reported that the ride had passed the State inspection for amusement park rides. The incident is under investigation. See Girls Dies After Fall from Ferris Wheel Ride in New Jersey.

What started out as a simple day at an amusement park for an 11 year old girl turned into a day that will forever change the lives of her family, the school, and he community. The ride is known as the "Big Wheel". When a tragedy of this nature takes place, there are several issues or questions to may arise:

Who was on the ride with Abiah Jones?

What safety precautions were in place to prevent such incidents or accidents?

What supervision was provided to Abiah and her classmates?

How exactly (based on eyewitness accounts) did Abiah fall from the Ferris wheel?

Was there anything that could have been done to either predict, foresee, or prevent this incident from taking place?

Did the ride function properly at the time of the incident?

Were there any actions that amounted to negligence?

Of course, whatever the answers are to the above questions, an 11 year old girl died on a school field trip when her family was expecting her to return home later that day for dinner. What a tragedy for the family and what sorrow must have been felt to see that empty chair at the dinner table. Hopefully, the family will get support from the community and school in this time of great and unimaginable loss.

The State of New Jersey established The Carnival and Amusement Ride Safety Act which requires an annual inspection of carnival rides. Certification is required for amusement park rides. The State has an engineering staff in place to review, inspect, and enforce the provisions of this law. See New Jersey Carnival-Amusement Ride Safety Act.
While it is helpful to have this law in place, an annual inspection will not safeguard or protect riders especially children from all injuries or incidents at an amusement park or carnival. At times, rides will malfunction and supervision will be lacking. Furthermore, some rides may have a design defect that goes undetected by inspectors and engineers until a tragic personal injury or death takes place.

By Sara J. Powell, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Arizona and other States, children enjoy playing in bounce houses and jumping castles. Unfortunately, on some occasions, children suffer serious personal injuries while jumping in or just occupying a bounce house. In Pima County, Arizona, a terrible incident was reported in which a bounce house described as a jumping castle was lifted 15 feet in the air by a dust devil and blew the inflatable structure across three lanes of traffic before landing on the ground. The Tuscon Arizona Fire Department responded to the scene of the accident. It was reported that a boy and a girl were inside the bounce house at the time of the incident and suffered serious personal injuries.

There may be liability for the injuries suffered by these children depending on the additional facts that may be obtained from the police department, fire department, and / or investigators who review the scene or the information regarding the incident. The following issues should be reviewed:

What kind of anchoring was used for the bounce house?

What kind of anchoring was recommended by the manufacturer?

How well was the bounce house and anchoring equipment maintained?

What did the weather forecast call for at the time of the incident?

What kind of warning or notice was available as to the weather?

What kind of supervision was provided for the children in the bounce house?

Was the incident avoidable?

Were additional anchoring techniques or tools available to make the inflatable structure more secure?

You can read more about this story at 2 Kids Injured in Arizona Jumping Castle Accident.

By David M. Baum, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Chicago, Illinois, the life of a 3 year old boy ended at an amusement park in Chicago, Illinois. The boy was riding a roller coaster called the Python Pit when some how he slipped under the safety bar and fell off the ride near Norridge, Illinois. The Go Bananas Amusement Park was the site of the incident which was investigated by the police department. Interestingly enough, the boy's twin brother did not fall off of the ride. See Boy Dies After Fall from Chicago Roller Coaster.

What are the safety and inspection requirements for amusement parks in Illinois? What agency regulations amusement parks in Illinois? What were the particular safety requirements or safety regulations for this particular ride? These are all excellent and pertinent questions to the tragedy at hand. Amusement Parks are regulated by the State of Illinois - Department of Labor pursuant to Carnival and Amusement Parks Safety Act. Pursuant to this law, amusement and carnival rides like the Python Pit Roller Coaster must submit an application for the ride for inspection and be inspected at least once a year. Documentation is required for the ride and all employees or operators of the ride as to background and training to operate the ride. See more information regarding Illinois Laws and Regulations of Amusement Park Rides at the Official Website for the State of Illinois Department of Labor.

Compliance with the State laws and regulations is vital to the safety of children who ride the roller coaster but compliance with the State laws and regulations will not serve as an absolute shield against liability for accidents and injuries. An investigation can be conducted by local, state and federal agencies as to the actual safety or hazards of the ride beyond the State regulations. In addition, the family can hire a private investigation, engineer, and, yes, an attorney to help coordinate these efforts. The manufacturer and distributor of the Roller Coaster ride may be held liable if it is determined that there was a design defect in the way in which the safety bar and / or seat belts (if any) functioned. Furthermore, it may be determined the the minimal safe height for a rider was miscalculated or not followed.

Children should be able to ride an amusement park ride in this day and age and be safe. The most important aspect of each and every ride should be the safety of a child. Dealing with the loss or injury of a child as a result of the negligence of an amusement park or theme park owner and operator can be very difficult for parents. Parents will need the support of family, friends, the neighborhood, and the community when tragedy strikes. There are many questions to answer and many of which cannot be answered at all. For those questions that can be answered, the book titled The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Needs to Know - has chapters on Amusement and Theme Park Injuries, Damages / Compensation, and other topics. While the book is not a substitute for legal representation and does not purport to answer every question on every topic, it is a good start for parents dealing with the challenges of a child injury. You can receive a free copy of this child injury book by clicking here.

The book is also available on Amazon.Com and BarnesandNoble.Com.

By Jonathan Safran, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Typically, amusement parks and theme parks are great fun and a wonderful place to spend time with family and friends. Unfortunately for some amusement and theme parks are the sites of tragic injuries that a person must endure for a lifetime. In some instances, visitors including children die at theme parks and amusement parks. What should be a place of joy and fun turns into a place of sorrow and grief.

In Wisconsin, a 13 year old girl - Teagan Marti - fell approximately 100 feet to the ground from an amusement park ride. She was hospitalized in Wisconsin and then transferred to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. The incident took place at the Extreme World Amusement Park located in Wisconsin Dells. Safety devices in the form of nets and air bags were not raised. As a result thereof, Teagan suffered serious personal injuries to her brain, spine, liver and other organs. She spent a month a a children's hospital based in Madison, Wisconsin - American Family Children's Hospital.The ride operator has been charged criminally by Wisconsin authorities for the incident. You can read more about Teagan's injuries and the incident at 13 Year Old Girl (Teagan Marti) Released from Hospital Following Injuries from 100 Feet Drop at Wisconsin Amusement Park.

See also State of Wisconsin Department of Commerce Requires Accident or Incident Report Regarding Personal Injuries Sustained by Guests / Riders.

By Jonathan Safran, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Amusement rides and parks are regulated in part by the State of Wisconsin Department of Commerce. Pursuant to Section (Commerce) 34.41 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, the owner / operator of the amusement ride has a duty to notify the Department of Commerce of every accident or incident involving a personal injury that requires more than just onsite first aide. The reporting of accidents and incidents is required by law. The reporting of incidents and accidents provides documentation for the state regulators for investigation and possible action to either shut the ride or amusement park down or make remedial recommendations to provide for the safety and protection of guests including children. You can review the actual document required for the reporting of these personal injury incidents and accidents at Wisconsin Amusement Ride Accident Report Form.

You can read more about Theme Park and Fairground Injuries as well as other topics in the book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know. You can request a free copy of the book by clicking here.

By Roy S. Dickinson, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Oklahoma and other States, amusement parks and amusement rides are subject to regulation and inspection by a division of State government. In Oklahoma, the Department of Labor is charged with the responsibility of inspecting and regulating amusement parks and amusement rides. The Oklahoma Amusement Ride Safety Laws are found under Chapter 40, Oklahoma Statutes, Section 460. It is important that amusement parks and owners / operators of amusement rides following the regulations set for in the Oklahoma Statutes. You can review these laws at Oklahoma Amusement Ride Safety Laws.

Pursuant to Section 461 - Definitions, an "Amusement Ride is defined as follows:

"Amusement ride" means a device or combination of devices or elements that carry, convey, or direct a person or persons over or through a fixed or restricted course or within a defined area for the primary purpose of amusement or entertainment. Amusement ride includes any amusement park device that uses treated water as the means of transportation, including the structure and water quality of the device.

The owner / operator of an Amusement Ride has a duty under Oklahoma Statutes to obtain a Certificate of Inspection from the State of Oklahoma - Department of Labor. In order to obtain such a Certificate, the ride must be inspected by the State of Oklahoma before it is put into use and thereafter at least once a year. In addition, a ride must be inspected each time that the ride is disassembled or reassembled.

A recent tragic accident was reported in Oklahoma involving the death of Jaylen Wolf - age 8 - when a barrel ride overturned that was being towed by an ATV. See Tragic Accident at Oklahoma Fairgrounds - Legal Rights and Responsibilities.

As part of the investigation into this matter, authorities will review the documents related to the Amusement Ride, compliance with State laws, and safety precautions in place or needed for a ride of this nature.

By Roy S. Dickinson, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Oklahoma, a tragic fairground accident was report where a child died and 4 others suffered personal injuries. The accident involved a barrel ride which was described as an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) towing barrels that children / riders occupied. During the ride, the 55 gallon barrels overturned. Authorities reported that the an 8 year old girl was later pronounced dead at Marietta Hospital from personal injuries related to this incident. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) identified the girl as Jaylen Wolf of Marietta, Oklahoma. You can read about this story at Girl (Jaylen Wolf) Dies as a Result of Oklahoma Fairground Accident - Barrel Ride Overturns.

News report did not provide details of whether the ride was manufactured by a company or manufactured by an individual. It would be important to determine what kind of safety tests and inspections were completed prior to having guests / children use the ride. Were the barrels susceptible to tipping? What kind of safety measures were put in place (if any) to deal with a tipping barrel? What speed was the ATV going at the time of the incident? Was the terrain a factor in causing the barrels to tip over?

Fairgrounds can be sites of great fun. As you can see here, fairgrounds can also be sites of horrible tragedy and serious personal injuries.

The design, operation, and inspection of the barrel ride system will be pertinent to both the homicide or death investigation by authorities. These issues are also important should the personal injury victims and their families pursue a civil case for the damages / injuries sustained as a result of this incident.

Injuries sustained at a theme park or fairground are often times serious and quite difficult for a family to deal with from the practical, medical, psychological, finanical, and, yes, legal standpoint. You can read more about Theme Park and Fairground Injuries as well as other topics in the book titled - The ABCs of Child Injury - Legal Rights of the Injured Child - What Every Parent Should Know. You can request a free copy of the book by clicking here.

By Scott A. Marks, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

A tram accident at the Six Flags Discovery Kingdom theme park in Vallejo, California left 3 injured. Nancy Chan, a Six Flags spokeswoman, told local reporters that the tram was transporting guests to the parking lot when it was struck by a swinging metal gate. Apparently, a guest inadvertently pushed the gate causing it to swing and hit the tram. A 34-year-old man suffered from a protruding injury to his leg and a two-year-old girl had a laceration to her stomach. The third victim, an adult woman, only suffered minor injuries. The 34-year-old man was airlifted to UC Davis Medical and the two-year-old child was airlifted to Kaiser in Vallejo and later taken to Children's Hospital in Oakland. Bill Tweety, a spokesman with Vallejo Fire, stated both victims are still believed to be in serious condition. If you would like to read more on this story please see Three injured at Six Flags amusement park in California.

These accidents are very unfortunate for both the families and loved ones of the victims. Hopefully, the two victims in serious condition make a full and speedy recovery. Amusement parks are fun and exciting environments, however, the potential of danger is alwayspresent. Park guests should follow the rules and guidelines of the theme park and not wander into any authorized areas so as to minimize the risk of injury.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Indianapolis, Indiana and cities throughout the United States, there are thousands of theme parks, amusement parks, and county fairs. Children enjoy amusement park rides and typically have a great and memorable time. Unfortunately, amusement parks are sometimes the sites of tragic and serious personal injuries. In Indianapolis, Indiana, it was reported that a child suffered a serious head injury while riding on a Teacup Ride. Details were not initially released as to the cause or mechanism of the injury. There will be an investigation into this incident. The ride will be inspected and witnesses will be interviewed. Whatever the results of the investigation, a child was seriously injured and it is a very stressful situation for the parents and family members. When at amusement parks, ride operators as well as children and parents should always do their best to act / participate in a safe and prudent manner. The safety of a child should always be the paramount concern over everything else. You can read more about this story at Child Suffers Serious Personal Injuries on Amusement Park Ride in Indianapolis, Indiana.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Bounce houses, trampolines, and inflatable play areas can be dangerous to children. Tragically, a number of children suffer serious personal injuries playing on or in these areas every year. Some even die as a result of the injuries. In Wichita, Kansas, it was reported that a 5 year old girl died after falling off of an inflatable bounce play area at Pure Entertainment. While the child was rushed to a local emergency room, the child ultimately died as a result of the injuries. There are several questions when considering or investigating accidents or incidents involving bounce houses or inflatable play areas including:

What kind of bounce house or inflatable play area was involved?

Who was supervising the child at the time of the incident?

Was the area in and around the bounce house / inflatable play area free from hazards?

Was the bounce house or inflatable play area properly installed, anchored, and in place according the manufacturer standards and recommendations?

Were there other incidents involving serious personal injuries or death involving the same or similar bounce houses / inflatable play areas?

Whatever the results of the investigation, a 5 year old boy died and a family and community has suffered a great loss. You can read more about this incident at 5 Year Old Child Dies After Fall at Pure Entertainment.

By Roy S. Dickinson, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Troy Helms, an 11-year-old from Grove, Oklahoma was attending the Strut Your Mutt dog walk sponsored by the Humane Society of Grove and Grand Lake when he accidentally fell on the ground. A Great Dane attacked the child, biting down on his face and neck. The boy received more than 100 stitches.

Witnesses say that the dog’s owner simply loaded his dog into his vehicle and left the scene. He was later cited by police for the attack.

When owner’s take their dogs into public, they are liable for the actions of the dog. While animals are by nature unpredictable, an owner who suspects that his dog might behave aggressively in public has a legal and ethical responsibility to protect the public from the dog, whether that means leaving the animal at home or fitting it with a muzzle. They should certainly not bring the animal into a crowded event where there are children present. The story does not mention if the child’s family will file a lawsuit against the dog’s owner or the humane society, but they are certainly within their rights to do so.

Find out more about this story at Okla. Boy, 11, Mauled By Great Dane At Dog Walk.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In the United States, United Kingdom (England), and many other places, children love to play on trampolines. Unfortunately, children are injured on injuries every day. Many injuries can be avoided with better safety precautions and supervision. Children, especially young children, lack safety awareness. This is especially true when playing on trampolines. Jumping on a trampoline can be quite empowering for a child. Children often want to jump higher and higher. Children then try tricks like flips and jumping in and around each other. During these stunts or just regular jumping, children are injured.

One safety precaution that is vital is a safety net. Every trampoline should have a properly installed safety net. Furthermore, all trampolines should be assembled per manufacturer instructions and placed on a flat secure area. Thereafter, trampolines should be inspected and maintained on a regular basis. There is no substitute for proper adult supervision as well. Trampolines that are properly maintained with safety nets are still hazards for children if there is no adult supervision. You can read more about trampolines Dangers of Trampolines: Child Injuries and Safety Measures.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

Safe Kids Utah has a great website ( www.safekidsutah.org) that provides safety tips and advice to parents. In reviewing this website, parents can read helpful information regarding:

Amusement Park Rides; Fireworks; Trampolines; Travel safety tips; Swimming / drowning; ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles); and Home alone safety tips.

Children suffer personal injuries every day in the State of Utah from recreational and sports activities as well as everyday activities. It is important for parents to educate themselves on safety precautions so that this knowledge can be passed on or taught to their children.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Helena, Montana, operators of the Last Chance Splash Water Park & Pool closed down a slide following head injuries to three children. These children reported hitting the back of their heads while riding toward the bottom of the slide. Management will be reviewing the slide dimensions and set up with representatives to determine the cause of the injuries and to determine if safety measures can be taken to prevent further injuries to children using the slide. You can read more about this article at Three Children in Helena, Montana Injured on Water Slide.

By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Ducketts Common, in North Green, North London (England / United Kingdom), a two year old boy (Erjon Hyseni) died when he was hit by a roller coaster ride called the "Go Gator" at the Funfair. Fair organizers reported that the boy got off of an inflatable ride and then ran over onto the tracks of the Go Gator ride. Barriers should have been in place and an investigation will be conducted to determine how, when and why the child was able to walk onto the tracks. While parents are responsible for the supervision of their children, fairs and theme parks purposely attract and invite small children for the attractions, rides, and events. As such, safety precautions like protective barriers and fences should be in place to prevent these kind of incidents. Children will run around at fairs and theme parks. As such, this kind of incident is foreseeable and in many instances preventable. You can read more about this story at Funfair Death - Boy Struck by Rollercoaster.

By Will Brown, Attorney and David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network

In Ohio and other States, children and students enjoy the amenities and sites of state and national parks every day. Unfortunately, many students and children are injured in these parks. Some even die. In Cambridge, Ohio, a college student (Amy Adams) from Muskingum College recently died. She was hiking at a park in eastern Ohio when she fell from a cliff at Hosak's Cave. She was air lifted to Akron General Hospital where she died. Park officials state that Amy wandered off of a marked trail to get to the top of the cliff.

It is truly sad that a college student with such zest for life and adventure died.

While there is adventure and fun at state and national parks, there are also many dangers. All visitors, adults and children, should pay close attention to warning signs and dangers in these parks.

State and national parks have a duty to keep the parks as safe as possible. Trails and dangerous areas should be clearly marked with appropriate warnings and signage when reasonable and possible.

You can read more about this story at College Student Dies in Ohio Hiking Accident.