Trial begins in wrongful death suit of woman killed by gate in Arches National Park

SALT LAKE CITY — A trial began Monday for a woman killed by an unsecured gate at Arches National Park in 2020. 

Esther “Essie” Nakajigo, 25, a women’s rights activist from Uganda was killed when driving in Arches National Park with Ludovic “Ludo” Michaud during a camping trip on June 13, 2020.

A strong wind blew a metal gate into the car, decapitating Nakajigo.

The trial, at a federal court house in Salt Lake City begins Monday. A judge will determine how much Nakajigo’s family will receive along with Michaud who witnessed the death.

Michaud and the family of Nakajigo originally filed a wrongful death and personal injury claim against the National Park Service for $270 million in November 2020.