Editor's note: This article has been revised to reflect the dismissal and disposition of the case, as it existed based on court records on Aug. 23, 2024.
EDWARDSVILLE - A lawsuit brought by a woman who claims her child was injured after falling while ziplining in Mexico has been dismissed, as the judge said no one showed up in court this June to continue to argue the case.
A Madison County judge ordered dismissal of the lawsuit brought by plaintiff Leticia Parra, on behalf of minor S. Parra, against against Hyatt Corporation, Grupo Asca, Apple Leisure Group, PVD Investments, and Safety Engineering OOD.
The woman claims her child fell 65 feet to the ground while ziplining in Mexico, causing severe head injuries.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that while participating in a zipline ride at the Dreams Natura Resort and Spa in Cancun, Mexico, S. Parra was improperly secured into the ride and subsequently fell approximately 65 feet to the ground. As a result, S. Parra allegedly suffered severe head injuries.
The plaintiff accused the defendants of strict liability for designing and operating an unreasonably dangerous ride without adequate safety measures or warning systems.
The plaintiff was represented by attorney Carson Menges of Menges Law.
However, on June 25, neither Parra nor her attorneys reported to court for a hearing. This prompted Judge Christopher Threlkeld to dismiss the lawsuit "due to the lack of activity in this case."
In a statement emailed to The Record, an attorney for defendant Safety Engineering OOD said the "dismissal strongly suggests that the plaintiff recognized the lack of merit in their claims, reinforcing that Safety Engineering EOOD was not responsible for any wrongdoing."
No settlement was reached in the case, that attorney said.