Settlement Reached in Case of 11-Year-Old Boy’s Death at Adventureland

Trial was set to begin Monday in the case against the former owners of Adventureland Theme Park regarding the death of an 11-year-old boy who died while riding The Raging River at the theme park in 2021. That trial will no longer happen.

When Did the Accident on The Raging River Happen?

KCCI reports that 11-year-old Michael Jaramillo of Marion and his family were riding The Raging River at Adventureland in 2021. The raft malfunctioned and overturned, trapping Jaramillo underwater. He died at a local hospital. His 15-year-old brother spent weeks in a medically induced coma but survived the accident, according to KCCI. 

What Was the Lawsuit Against? 

The Jaramillo family was suing the former owners of Adventureland Theme Park, accusing them of not training workers properly and making unauthorized modifications to the waterways and rafts on the ride, according to KCCI. The Raging River was inspected each year, including the day before the accident, where it passed with a 'satisfactory' rating.

Why Was There No Trial?

KCCI reports that jury selection was set to begin Monday when potential jurors were sent home. A lawyer for the Jaramillo family stated that the former owners of Adventureland, including former CEO Mike Krantz, agreed to settle with the Jaramillo family.

The Jaramillo family issued a statement that, despite the legal win, it won't bring their son back. KCCI reports that the statement also hopes that the theme park industry "takes note of this horrifying incident and substantive changes occur to increase the safety of amusement rides both in Iowa and throughout the nation."

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