Tragic Loss: Revisiting the Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Incident
Prelude to a Heartbreaking Tragedy
In 2019, the world was shaken by the tragic death of an 18-month-old girl named Chloe Wiegand. She fell to her death from an open window on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. The incident sent shockwaves through the industry and sparked a series of legal battles.
Summary Judgment Initially Granted
In July 2021, a federal court granted summary judgment in favor of Royal Caribbean. The court ruled that the cruise line was not responsible for Chloe's death and that the accident was solely the fault of her grandfather, who was holding her at the time.
Appeals Court Reinstates Lawsuit
However, on July 11, 2023, a federal appeals court reversed the lower court's decision and reinstated the lawsuit against Royal Caribbean. The appeals court found that there was sufficient evidence to suggest that the cruise line could be held liable for the child's death.
Surveillance Video Sheds New Light
CBS News recently obtained surveillance video that shows the final moments before Chloe fell. The video reveals that the grandfather lifted Chloe onto a railing that had a wooden bar across it, but the bar was not in place. Chloe then slipped through the open space and fell to her death.
Ongoing Legal Battle
The reinstatement of the lawsuit has reopened the legal battle between the Wiegand family and Royal Caribbean. The family alleges that the cruise line was negligent in not adequately securing the windows and failing to provide proper supervision. Royal Caribbean maintains that it is not liable and that the accident was the result of the grandfather's negligence.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Chloe Wiegand has raised important questions about safety measures on cruise ships. The ongoing legal battle will determine who is ultimately responsible for this heartbreaking loss.
Komentar