Reader comments: Family of boy killed by bear files lawsuits against state, federal agencies
109 comments | Read story
Anonymous | 12:17 p.m. March 28, 2008
Lets let tax payers pick up the tab for parents lack of common sense. They were camping in forest. Maybe they should confine campimg trips to their back yard.
Anonymous | 12:19 p.m. March 28, 2008
It was only a matter of time before the lawsuits and finger pointing began. It was a tragic accident, and no one is to blame. I'm willing to bet that if there had been a warning taped to a tree, the family wouldn't have read it or heeded it. Does anyone really think that a bear warning in the middle of the forest was going to keep that family from camping? I can just hear the whining and complaining of the kids if their parents said, "Sorry, kids, we're not staying here tonight." Yeah, right! They say it now, but I don't believe them for a moment. They're just another family thinking that money is going to comfort them in their loss.
Annoyed | 12:19 p.m. March 28, 2008
I am sorry about their child being killed by a bear but suing isn't going to bring him back. You shouldn't need the government to tell you bears are dangerous. Utah has alot of bears in it and if Yogi Bear has taught us anything, bears come to food. The parents should have realized bears are dangerous and taken the precautions. They were in the bears country. Use common sense people. FYI, sharks eat people to.
Comments continue below
Daniel | 12:25 p.m. March 28, 2008
Ask Questions before you do anything is the best policy and why don't you sue the bears family as well. I may sound heartless, but hey you made the decision to go on your own.
Natural Disaster | 12:25 p.m. March 28, 2008
I think a bear attack falls into the category of natural disaster. No one can predict it nor can they prevent it. Sueing sounds a little crazy to me. There is always a risk of animals when you are camping. It is, after all, the natural habitat of animals. I feel bad for the family of the boy but I don't think sueing is an answer.
Greed | 12:42 p.m. March 28, 2008
Too bad these parents are treating there deceased son as a lottery ticket. Things just happen. They might as well blame themselves for camping. Sue the bear's family if you want to.
Petey | 12:55 p.m. March 28, 2008
Good heck how can you blame that on anyone but yourself. Your in the wilds. Have some respect for your sons death and life and don't try and profit from it.
Navyvet | 12:55 p.m. March 28, 2008
This is another case of a terrible tragedy happening through no fault of anyone. Now the family wants to make money off their misfortune. In the end it will be the taxpayers (you and I) who will get socked with the bill.
I can remember a time when an accident or tragedy was just that. We didn't see it as an opportunity to let greed run rampant.
I can remember a time when an accident or tragedy was just that. We didn't see it as an opportunity to let greed run rampant.
money money | 12:58 p.m. March 28, 2008
Money won't bring the boy back and suing the government is suing the taxpayer who is already overburdened. I can see suing to have procedures changed but not for such money. mmmmm greed at the expense of a life. Were they not camping outside of the designated camp area and are not signs already posted for bears. Sorry for their loss but please no more burden on the tax payer it won't bring the boy back.
Rational Thinker | 1:01 p.m. March 28, 2008
Ridiculous! Our lawsuit happy society must go. Yes, it is sad this boy died. But to say they needed to be warned? They were in the wild outdoors. Give me a break!
Anonymous | 1:10 p.m. March 28, 2008
Making everything that happens somebody else's fault and receiving money from a law suit I am sure will help you feel better about your son.This sue happy nation is pathetic!
Duke | 1:12 p.m. March 28, 2008
Isn't it telling how in the accompanying picture, the only one looking at the camera is the lawyer?
lawsuit | 1:15 p.m. March 28, 2008
I feel horribly for this family, but doesn't a bear attack fall under an act of God? Either way my condolences to this family!
Stupid lawsuit | 1:16 p.m. March 28, 2008
While my heart goes out to the family, does the government really have to hold your hand and spell out the dangers of camping in the WILDerness? Does it have to tell you if you go drive you may be in a automobile accident? Or if you go rafting on a river you may drown? I am upset at this because it is our tax dollars that will pay for the lawsuit!!! Just like that fool Massey and the taser gun.
Anonymous | 1:19 p.m. March 28, 2008
Things happen! Accidents happen! Quit placing the blame on someone else to fill your wallet. I am sure that is what your son wants!
sanevoice | 1:24 p.m. March 28, 2008
So what exactly were they supposed to tell people? "just so you know there was a bear that took and may have shook a tent. Therefore your life is in danger so you should leave now." I don't consider a bear taking food and shaking a tent an attack. Had the bear actually attacked someone fine but a lot of animals steal food that are not going to kill someone. Anyone who has camped a lot will be able to tell stories of animals going through camp sites, brushing up against tents etc. That does not constitute imminent danger.
Anonymous | 1:28 p.m. March 28, 2008
I hope they win.
Jaye | 1:33 p.m. March 28, 2008
The fact remains that in the month previous to this boy's mauling death, there were numerous reports of black bear sightings in Provo Canyon and Park City. In one incident, residents of a cabin had burned food, and opened the windows to air out the cabin. A bear ripped through the screen door and entered the cabin.
I have also viewed, in related articles, video footage of a black bear sow and cub wandering along the back yard fence line of a neighborhood.
This family chose to set up camp in a relatively remote area, about a mile and a half outside of the campground boundaries.
And the incident the night before, in the same area, was due to campers leaving food out which enticed this bear.
The bear simply returned to a known source of food.
I have also viewed, in related articles, video footage of a black bear sow and cub wandering along the back yard fence line of a neighborhood.
This family chose to set up camp in a relatively remote area, about a mile and a half outside of the campground boundaries.
And the incident the night before, in the same area, was due to campers leaving food out which enticed this bear.
The bear simply returned to a known source of food.
Ridiculous | 1:37 p.m. March 28, 2008
Their lawsuit is absolutely absurd. They can't tell anyone they wouldn't have camped there if they had seen a sign. It's just common sense they were lacking -- if you're in the woods, come prepared for all possibilities, including bears. I remember the story from last year. The dad couldn't find his son because he didn't have a flashlight. The family came out there like they were camping in a city park. You'd never seen this kind of finger pointing in Alaska, where aggressive bears are an actual problem and encounters happen fairly often. Once you go into the bear habitat you're taking the risk of encounters with wildlife. If they get their way, they'll have you sign a waiver just to enter a national park. Now that would be insane.
Darin | 1:39 p.m. March 28, 2008
Hey, I wonder if this lawyer will take my case? I had the misfortune of running into a skunk while camping, and NO ONE warned me he'd be there. And I'm sure I wasn't the first.
Dean | 1:39 p.m. March 28, 2008
This and other frivoulous lawsuits all have the same effect: usurping our freedoms for the sake of "safety". How many more lawsuits like this will happen before the government outlaws camping altogether because of the slight chance of a bear attack? And how soon will we be living in a completely "safe" society that won't allow any freedoms because someone might get hurt?
Robert A. McCleve, Sr. | 1:42 p.m. March 28, 2008
Losing a son is painful and the emptiness never goes away. I am very sorry for their loss. Sueing will heal nothing and is pointless. It all could have been avoided with just one small addition. If they had a dog sleeping with their son, the dog would have alerted the boy and most bears run when a dog start barking in their vicinity. They are not dumb. Bears are clever,smart and powerful creatures
Good Grief | 1:46 p.m. March 28, 2008
Nothing brings comfort in a time of mourning like LITIGATION AND UNDESERVED PAYOUTS!
I felt bad for this family before, but now I hate them.
I felt bad for this family before, but now I hate them.
Anonymous | 1:48 p.m. March 28, 2008
There are two high costs to this lawsuit. First, we as taxpayers will end up paying for it. Second, thanks to the lawsuit, the state will be forced to shut down any campground where a bear has been spotted within 30 miles. Our opportunity to enjoy the outdoors will go down.
This was an unfortunate incident. It is very sad. But it was not the state's fault.
This was an unfortunate incident. It is very sad. But it was not the state's fault.
Anonymous | 1:48 p.m. March 28, 2008
Bears generally tend to go back to the place that they found food before. The rangers should have restricted the camping area knowing that the bear had, not just attacked a person the previous night, but had viciously attacked them. We can all go on and on about not sueing and being sorry for this family, but there should have been steps taken to insure the safety of the people camping in that area. Isn't this the reason we have rangers to protect us and the wilderness we love from hurting each other?
Lawyer | 1:51 p.m. March 28, 2008
This is what gives my profession a bad name. If they win this suit it will completley shut down any and every campground across the west that has had previous bear incidents. I know its hard but accept the responsibility.
Anonymous | 1:57 p.m. March 28, 2008
Lawsuits like this take away all our freedoms. If people sue everytime they get hurt or injured in the outdoors, then campsites and hiking trails will be forced to close. Even if the jury clears the state of responsibility, the cost of going to trial is so high that the taxpayers can't afford it happening all the time.
RATIONAL THINKING??? | 1:58 p.m. March 28, 2008
Ridiculous! I CANT BELIVE THEY WAITED SO LONG TO FILE SUIT. I THINK IT IS TOTALLY APPROPRIATE, THE FEDS AND WILDLIFE OFFICIALS FAILED TO WARN CAMPERS OF A BEAR ENCOUNTER A FEW NIGHTS BEFORE. ITS NOT LIKE SOMEONE JUST SAW A BEAR, HE TRIED TO GET IN A TENT, THE SAME THING THAT HAPPENED TO SAM. SOEMONE DROPPED THE BALL AND SOMEONE SHOULD CHANGE THE WAY THAT SITUAITON IS HANDLED. IT IS SAD THAT A LAWSUIT IS THE ONLY WAY TO GET ANYTHING DONE ANYMORE! IF PEOPLE WOULD HAVE DONE THEIR JOBS AND BEEN ETHICAL THEN THIS COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED. IMAGINE LOOSING YOUR KID, AND IF SOMEONE COULD HAVE TOLD YOU SOMEHTHING BEFORE YOU LOST THEM THAT WOULD HAVE IMPACTED HIS/HER DEATH. PUT YOURSELF IN THEIR SHOES!
Common Sense | 1:59 p.m. March 28, 2008
Yes, accidents happen. Yes, bears and sharks attack people sometimes. But, if there is knowledge that a dangerous bear is in the area, the least people with that knowledge could do is warn others. I don't think that is too much to ask. We'll never know whether this family would have camped somewhere else if they had been warned because no one bothered to warn them. Unfortunately, the only way for companies and the government to show a little bit of courtesy to their fellow man is when it impacts their pocket books. I hope that the government has to pay a healthy sum for their lack of common courtesy so that hopefully next time they know that a dangerous bear is in the area where I am camping I will know to either leave or be on the look out.
David | 2:01 p.m. March 28, 2008
There are bears in the wild? You are kidding me!! Why aren't people notified of this shocking news?
where do you get off??? | 2:01 p.m. March 28, 2008
Oh come on!!!!! gee let me see here... hmmm BEAR Forest People come to forest... Bear Forest People come to forest... Well THE bear Forest WINS.
It's to bad the boy was killed, But when you are in the forest with wild animals... You have entered there home. Parents get real, next time stay home and camp in your own back yard before you enter in the wild kingdom.
I use to feed three wild brown bears for a guy I know and even tho these bears were tame they could turn on you without any notice.
It's to bad the boy was killed, But when you are in the forest with wild animals... You have entered there home. Parents get real, next time stay home and camp in your own back yard before you enter in the wild kingdom.
I use to feed three wild brown bears for a guy I know and even tho these bears were tame they could turn on you without any notice.
Don't be Irresponsible | 2:09 p.m. March 28, 2008
Anyone who goes into the wilds without bear spray or a gun is being irresponsible to themselves or their friends and family.
Anonymous | 2:11 p.m. March 28, 2008
Sue the bear!!!
P in Mexifornia | 2:16 p.m. March 28, 2008
This is the result of the liberal politicians who tell our society that we are victims and that it is the government's responsibility to protect and warn society of every possible risk under the sun.
And when an accident happens, the only logical conclusion is to blame the government for not saving us from ourselves.
And when an accident happens, the only logical conclusion is to blame the government for not saving us from ourselves.
How many of you.... | 2:17 p.m. March 28, 2008
....who are outraged by this are voting for Obama? If you are, search the internet for Obama's views on tort reform. You'll find he doesn't believe there's a need for it. Yes, your next POTUS is happy to see frivolous lawsuits like this one continue.
I hope this case gets thrown out and the plaintiffs are ordered to pay the state's/fed's legal fees (otherwise you and I get stuck with the check for all those lawyers at $500/hr, even with a dismissal).
I hope this case gets thrown out and the plaintiffs are ordered to pay the state's/fed's legal fees (otherwise you and I get stuck with the check for all those lawyers at $500/hr, even with a dismissal).
MET | 2:18 p.m. March 28, 2008
Yeah let's have signs placed every 10 feet up in the canyons as well as the city. Every sign should say WARNING: Beware of the following; Bears, Wolves, Cars, Trucks, Bikers, Rain, Snow, and Wind. This way if anyone tried to sue the State they can just point to the 17 signs surrounding them. Come on people give me a break. You are in a CANYON what lives in Canyons? Bears. If you go into any situation you should know the risk before entering. These parents should be so embarrased 3 year olds know Bears live in Canyons and they are tryint to play it off like they didn't know. Wow!!!
Camping | 2:26 p.m. March 28, 2008
Sue whoever took him camping. with sign or no sign the bear would done it what it did. they family would still camp in the area is like a speeding there are sign all over people still speed
lisa | 2:28 p.m. March 28, 2008
What if a rattlesnake were to attack? Would you accused someone of not doing their job? Where do we stop? If you camp in Utah you will always face risk. Don't like the possiblility of an attack then stay in a cabin!!
l | 2:33 p.m. March 28, 2008
First of all, those of you that are typing in all caps, just calm down, turn off your caps lock and talk normally.
Second, how much would you like to bet that a lawyer or other family member contacted them and convinced them to sue. With a lot of people it doesn't seem to be their first thought, but others convince them that taking it to court will solve something.
Second, how much would you like to bet that a lawyer or other family member contacted them and convinced them to sue. With a lot of people it doesn't seem to be their first thought, but others convince them that taking it to court will solve something.
Emma | 2:35 p.m. March 28, 2008
We all know what happens when you enter a bears home, just by reading this story: Goldilocks and the 3 bears.
To anonymous 1:28 | 2:41 p.m. March 28, 2008
Thanks, Mom.
Insane | 2:42 p.m. March 28, 2008
So if lightning hits a camper, do we warn everyone and close the campground? Perhaps the Forest Service needs to post signs like they have at the ski resorts: If you cannot accept the inherent risks of camping, do not camp!!
Re: Lawyer 1:51 | 2:48 p.m. March 28, 2008
Oh my gosh! An honest lawyer. Where'd you come from?
taxpayer | 3:04 p.m. March 28, 2008
Actually it was the factory that made the tent that is at fault... they should have put on more animal repellent to scare the mean bear away.
Astounded | 3:04 p.m. March 28, 2008
I AM astounded, but not by the lawsuit. I am astounded by the incredible mean-spiritedness of the comments being made here. Why don't you all show a little self-control and keep your vicious and opinionated thoughts to yourselves. How do you know how you would react in such a situation? And by the way, the family is still grieving and likely to read your disgusting words. Do the world--and Sam's family--a favor and shut up.
Re: Common sense | 3:09 p.m. March 28, 2008
You my friend are lacking common sense. You say the government only understands when it hits their pocketbook and you hope "they" pay a hefty sum. Guess what...when the government pays, it is really you and I that pay. So think about how much you pay in taxes before you spout out a load of junk like that again.
DuH! | 3:16 p.m. March 28, 2008
EXCUSE ME.. why do they have bear alert levels if they are not going to tell the campers about them? They are there as a saftey precaution that was obviously ignored in this horrible situation. Obviously if the black bear alert level was high for that campsite the family should have been told, that is the campgrounds fault. If the family had been told of the high bear alert and then decided to stay and camp that would be a different story. It is SICKENING that other campers tents were batted at by bears and the campsite was aware of the high bear risk but did not let the people who NEEDED to know (the campers) about the risk. How can you NOT see the fault in the wildlife officials???
KIT | 3:19 p.m. March 28, 2008
The resposibility for training the bear lies with every one of us that while camping has dumped our bacon grease beside a tree, left any food or trash outside day or night, and not taken seriously the risks that are present in the wild. The state of Utah and the Forest Service are not resposible for our actions, and shouldn't be in the business of restricting our liberty. I do grieve for the family and wish them peace.
KF | 3:26 p.m. March 28, 2008
To Astounded 3:04 PM,
They are a party in a lawsuit, and I am the opposition to that lawsuit as a US citizen and citizen of Utah. They can have their say, but the defendents (all of us in Utah) can't have a say? What they have said about the workers of the state of Utah and the federal government have been unkind. If they intend to sue, they need to get some thick skin.
They are a party in a lawsuit, and I am the opposition to that lawsuit as a US citizen and citizen of Utah. They can have their say, but the defendents (all of us in Utah) can't have a say? What they have said about the workers of the state of Utah and the federal government have been unkind. If they intend to sue, they need to get some thick skin.
I TOTALLY AGREE | 3:32 p.m. March 28, 2008
With all of these comments! Accidents do happen. So, next time someone is negligent and accidentally totals my car I'll just say, "oh well, accidents happen, have a nice day." =)
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