SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The city of Sioux Falls is facing a wrongful death lawsuit after a 5-year-old Audubon girl drowned in the Big Sioux River at Falls Park.
Sioux Falls attorney, Brendan Johnson, filed the federal lawsuit today (Thursday) alleging the city failed to provide sufficient safety precautions at the park. On March 18, Maggie Zaiger was reaching to touch the foam that forms near the falls when she fell from the bridge and into the river. The entire incident was reported to have happened over the course of only about 30 seconds, and seven family members were on shore, helpless to do anything to save Zaiger.
Johnson is seeking damages on behalf of Zaiger’s mother, Courtney Jayne. The lawsuit claims the city had ignored recommendations to put up barriers to more clearly distinguish where the rocks end and the water starts, especially after two similar drownings in 2013.
Officials have since approved building viewing platforms and railings to improve safety. The city didn’t immediately return a telephone message from the Associated Press requesting comment.
