Lawsuit over Adventureland death to be moved out of Polk County

Hunter
12/08/23

The lawsuit alleging negligence on the part of the then-owners of Adventureland in Des Moines led to a boy’s death on one of the rides is being moved out of Polk County.

The incident occurred on July 3rd 2021. 11-year-old Michael Jaramillo died at a hospital after a raft he was riding on the Raging River flipped over. Several other family members were also injured.

The family has sued the Krantz family, who owned the park; the state of Iowa; and other companies involved in the design and maintenance of the Raging River Ride. The new park owners have permanently closed the ride.

The Des Moines Register reports that attorneys for the Krantz family, who sold the park to Palace Entertainment in late 2021, had asked that the trial be moved from Polk County, citing what they allege was “inaccurate, sensationalized (and) targeted” media coverage, including by the Register.

On Tuesday, Judge Scott Paul ruled that the trial will take place in Scott County. The trial date has been reset from March to October 2024, to allow time for newly-added defendants to prepare their case.