Recent Death of girl at the hands of Sunrise Academy

[Rusty Goat]

http://ronkramerlaw.com/utah-wrongful-d ... ndon-teen/

[Oscar]

Survived Swineflu in Greece only to die because someone apperently didn't watch the road

British girl who survived swine flu is killed in US car crash, by Mark Prigg, The London Evening Standard, October 22, 2010

[Pile of Dead Kids]

Nothing like good old-fashioned incompetence to kill another kid.

[Rusty Goat]

was she referred by Scheff?  :deal:  If so, add Scheff to the list of defendants.

[Ursus]

The story from the OP, which is from the website of a Utah personal injury attorney group, is copied out here for posterity's sake... There's also a clip of video news footage at the link (courtesy of KSL.com):

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Kramer Law Group — Utah Accident and Injury Lawyers
Sunrise Academy Rollover Accident Takes Life of London Teen

Posted By Ron Kramer on October 19, 2010

Natasha Newman, 17 years old from London, England, died October 17, 2010, following a rollover accident in Sevier County, Utah. According to the Spectrum, six students from Sunrise Academy, a youth home for troubled youth, were en route from Hurricane, Utah to Moab when the driver reportedly tried to get the attention of another vehicle in the convoy and lost control of the Chevy Suburban he or she was driving, causing the SUV to go off the left side of the road, rolling several times. Another 17 year-old student from Arlington, Mass, who was reportedly wearing only her lap belt, was ejected from the vehicle. She was transported to a Salt Lake hospital in critical condition. Four others in the vehicle also suffered injury, non-life threatening, and they were taken to Sevier Valley Medical Center in Richfield, Utah.

I send my deepest condolences to the family of Natasha Newman for her tragic, untimely death. I also send my best wishes to those who were injured in this crash.

In situations like this, the public wants to know how exactly the accident happened so that similar repeats can be avoided or reduced. In this particular case, based on the news report, it sounds like the driver of this SUV failed to keep reasonable control of the vehicle. It also sounds like the driver allowed him or herself to be distracted by this other Sunrise Academy car on the road. At any rate, it is inexcusable, especially when you are transporting others for a commercial purpose, to drive in such a distracted manner. I wonder how old this driver was and how much experience they had transporting others commercially. The academy is responsible under the legal principle of respondeat superior for the negligence of their employees and agents who drive negligently and kill or hurt their passengers.

The family of Natasha are thus left with a wrongful death action against Sunrise Academy and the driver of the Suburban. Given the parent’s domicile in London, England, the action would need to be filed in federal court. The statute of limitations for filing such an action is two years.

The others injured in this crash, also have a claim against the Sunrise Academy and/or the driver. These claims potentially could be resolved against the insurance company for Sunrise Academy. I would advise the families of these teens to contact an experienced Utah wrongful death and personal injury lawyer for advise on the remedies that they might have.

The Kramer Law Group does not currently represent any of the parties referenced in the article at the time it was written. We have cited and linked to the source of our information. If you were involved in the above incident, or one like it, and have questions about your rights and possible remedies, you may call us or another reputable Utah personal injury law firm. Do not act based on the above information without getting a consultation. The best Utah personal injury attorneys will offer a free consultation. We offer a free and confidential consultation to those (and their family members) not substantially at fault in causing their accident. The information and opinions expressed above are provided as a public service and should not be used in place of legal advice from a qualified attorney.


Copyright © 2010 Utah Personal Injury Attorneys

[Ursus]

Here's some news coverage...

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Deseret News
Girl from troubled youth center killed in rollover

By Paul Koepp, Deseret News
Published: Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010 4:16 p.m. MDT

SEVIER, Sevier County — One person was killed and another critically injured Sunday morning in a crash on I-70 in Sevier County.

According to the Utah Highway Patrol, six members of the Sunrise Academy — a treatment center and boarding school for troubled girls — were riding in a Chevrolet Suburban from Hurricane to Moab shortly before 9 a.m. when the driver lost control and rolled the vehicle.

Natasha Newman, 17, of London, England, died at the scene. Another 17-year-old girl from Arlington, Mass., was ejected from the front passenger seat. She was taken to Sevier Valley Hospital and then flown to a Salt Lake area hospital in critical condition.

Four others went to a local hospital with minor injuries.

Just before the accident occurred, the passengers of the Suburban were trying to get the attention of passengers in another vehicle from the academy as they passed it on a curve, UHP said.

— Paul Koepp

[Ursus]

Just before the accident occurred, the passengers of the Suburban were trying to get the attention of passengers in another vehicle from the academy as they passed it on a curve, UHP said.[/list]
Geeezzz... what can one say...

[Ursus]

There is also video news footage at the link...

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KSL.com
SUV carrying troubled youth rolls; 1 killed
October 17th, 2010 @ 5:04pm
By ksl.com




(Photo Credits: Utah Department of Public Safety)

SEVIER COUNTY -- One teen was killed and another critically injured Sunday morning in a crash on Interstate 70 in Sevier County.

According to the Utah Highway Patrol, six members of the Sunrise Academy -- a treatment center and boarding school for troubled girls -- were riding in a Chevy Suburban from Hurricane to Moab around 9:00 a.m. when the driver tried to pass another car, lost control and rolled the vehicle.

One passenger, 17-year-old Natasha Newman of London, England, was killed. A 17-year-old from Arlington, Mass. was ejected from the vehicle when it rolled. She was flown to a Salt Lake City hospital in critical condition.

Four others went to Sevier Valley Hospital with minor injuries. Troopers closed several lanes for an hour and a half so they could clean up the wreckage.

Investigators are looking into whether any charges should be filed.


© 2010 ksl.com | KSL Broadcasting Salt Lake City UT

[Whooter]

Just before the accident occurred, the passengers of the Suburban were trying to get the attention of passengers in another vehicle from the academy as they passed it on a curve, UHP said.[/list]
Geeezzz... what can one say...

I think we agree here, Ursus.  There is only so much people can do to keep teenagers safe these days.  This happens way too often.  Transporting children safely has always been a continuous problem which holds many risks.



...

[Ursus]

Just before the accident occurred, the passengers of the Suburban were trying to get the attention of passengers in another vehicle from the academy as they passed it on a curve, UHP said.[/list]
Geeezzz... what can one say...

I think we agree here, Ursus.  There is only so much people can do to keep teenagers safe these days.  This happens way too often.  Transporting children safely has always been a continuous problem which holds many risks.

Ya mean... we SHOULDN'T hold Sunrise Academy accountable for NOT ensuring that the girls had their seat belts on properly?

[Whooter]

Just before the accident occurred, the passengers of the Suburban were trying to get the attention of passengers in another vehicle from the academy as they passed it on a curve, UHP said.[/list]
Geeezzz... what can one say...

I think we agree here, Ursus.  There is only so much people can do to keep teenagers safe these days.  This happens way too often.  Transporting children safely has always been a continuous problem which holds many risks.

Ya mean... we SHOULDN'T hold Sunrise Academy accountable for NOT ensuring that the girls had their seat belts on properly?

I think the transport company and/or academy should be held responsible and especially the driver.  I just think it is sad that this happens all too often to our teenagers in this country and I fear it will just be getting worse with the added distraction of people texting.  We do a lot in our schools to raise awareness about the dangers of driving, drinking, texting etc.  but the death toll continues on.

I had a niece mention to me that since they passed a law in Massachusetts making texting illegal while driving this adds even another layer of distraction because now the kids are driving, texting and now looking out for police!!



...

[Ursus]

Apparently Sunrise Academy was less than fully diligent about ensuring that the girls were properly secured by their seat belts. The girl that got ejected from the vehicle and was hence critically injured ... was only wearing the lap restraint.

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The Salt Lake Tribune
Teen killed, another critically injured in I-70 rollover

Published Oct 17, 2010 03:58PM · Updated Oct 18, 2010 03:11PM

A teenager was killed Sunday afternoon in a rollover crash on Interstate 70 near Sevier.

A Suburban carrying six people from the Sunrise Academy youth home in Hurricane was eastbound when the driver tried to get another driver's attention and lost control of the vehicle just before 9 a.m., the Utah Highway Patrol said.

Natasha Newman, a 17-year-old from England, died at the scene, police said. A 17-year-old girl from Arlington, Mass., was thrown from the vehicle and flown to a Salt Lake City hospital in critical condition. She was wearing only the lap restraint in the front passenger seat, UHP said.

Four other people were taken to a nearby hospital with injuries that did not appear to be life-threatening, UHP said.

Troopers were investigating the crash Sunday afternoon.

— Aaron Falk


Copyright 2010 The Salt Lake Tribune.

[Ursus]

This is real sad. According to one of the comments below, the girl who was critically injured and airlifted to a Salt Lake City hospital has also died. I'd guess it was some time after 9:30 p.m. (EDT?) on October 20, when her parents opted to have the life support pulled. I believe she was from Arlington, Massachusetts.

It also looks like Sunrise Academy proponents are weighing in heavily with their comments, and with damage control on their minds...

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Comments left for the above article, "Teen killed, another critically injured in I-70 rollover" (by Aaron Falk; Oct 17, 2010; The Salt Lake Tribune):


Babyboomer says · Oct 17, 2010 04:40 pm

Sunrise Academy website proclaims a high level of safety for teenage girls with a ultimate goal of reuniting families and to bring daughters home! If Sunrise Academy is going to except $ from parents to take on these teens and all that comes with them,For God sake, make sure these girls are buckled in the vehicle before putting vehicle into drive.It is sometimes the simplest of things that these so called educated,pros seem to over look.I personally know of a teen who was denied a Dr (at a state ordered teen camp)with a outcome similar to this.Mother was able to sue and win,It doesn't bring back a loved one,but these kind of places need to know this is not easy money it is 24/7 and there maybe times when the teen cries wolf,but who are they to judge if it is crying wolf or the real thing!

hail to the chef says · Oct 17, 2010 05:00 pm

Not the first death caused by Utah's flourishing "tough love" industry.

utecougar says · Oct 17, 2010 07:40 pm

The "industry" and its practices didn't cause this accident.

joyous863 says · Oct 18, 2010 08:42 am

You should probably know what you are talking about before you comment -- it makes you sound stupid. Sunrise is not a "tough love" program. They are a treatment center for youth struggling with problems. This is not a wilderness setting. The girls attend school on campus, some have off campus jobs, and the trip they were going on was an earned activity, not a tough trip through the desert. Accidents happen, it is unfortunate and heartwrenching to those involved not a soap box for you to jump on. I know first hand that these girls are dearly loved and cared for by all the staff at sunrise. For you to inply anything less is stupid. Again, unless you have walk in any of these shoes, keep you hurtful comments to yourself. Sunrise has saved many girls and families through their loving, caring treatment of at risk youth. Not exactly a money making career. Most have to work two jobs just to survive, but they do it for the love of the girls. Next time, keep your stuid comments to yourself. To the girls and staff: may God wrap his comforting arms of love around you during this most difficult time.

[/list]
laytonian says · Oct 17, 2010 05:05 pm

Was there a reason they were travelling via freeway?

Hurricane to Moab is MUCH MORE beautiful if one goes through Escalante, Boulder, Torrey....

BUT this one's going to get ugly. Why? Another newspaper is reporting that the passengers in the SUV that rolled, were trying to get the attention of passengers in an accompanying Sunrise vehicle.

In any case: distracted driving.

MagickMike says · Oct 17, 2010 07:05 pm

Seatbelts! Seatbelts! Seatbelts!

How many times does it have to be repeated?

sunrise10 says · Oct 18, 2010 07:45 am

I think it is horrific that you dare pass judgement on a situation you know nothing about. I think its sad that you would critisize rather than support all those affected by this TRAGIC ACCIDENT. We are heartbroken, crying and showing up to work to help support several other teenagers who are crying and heartbroken as well. We need support and uplifting thoughts and care, not some judgement from a person who doesn't know anything or anyone associated with this. Think twice about what you say.....because you dont have the right.

Heartbroken says · Oct 18, 2010 08:15 am

If you have ever driven in a van full of kids (especially teens)you know that even if you start out all properly seat belted, its a given that at least one seat belt will adjusted or taken off. If you have never had this happen to you, you probably arent a parent, you probably havent been a teen or a child, and im sure you dont have cousins or siblings. The amazing girl that died was not a pay check and its insulting that you would imply that. I ask that instead of judging the people involved you focus your thoughts on the families that have been forever effected by this tragedy and the girl that is fighting for her life. If you are naive enough to think that things like this could never happen to you, i hope that you are not rudely awoken one day to your wife, daughter, son, mother, husband, aunt.....caught in such a tragedy.

Incensed Citizen says · Oct 18, 2010 09:35 am

Teen-age driving is a fear that any parent suffers from the moment their son or daughter gets their license until they become experienced, safe drivers, which in some cases, never happens. As a parent myself, knowing my teen was out on the road, regardless of time of day, the possibility of an accident loomed over my conscious mind sometimes to the point of being actually debilitating. It's a fear that never goes away. All we can do is educate them and hope they are sensible enough to heed the advice. It's a tragedy no parent should ever have to face. Skill in driving comes only through education and experience. It's the in-between times that scare the bejeezus out of me.

Babyboomer says · Oct 19, 2010 04:32 pm

No one can care for a child like a parent ! Sugar coat it all you want, but sunrise posted a annual revenue of 2.5 million- 5 million based on 20 to 49 students.So do not tell me is not about the $$. This is a tragedy for the parents that put there trust in Sunrise. There family members should have been safe at all times. Unless Sunrise or other academy's can guarantee 100% a child will be safe than they do not have the right to be taking on these children. Being a parent of 3 boys I would not feel good about someone else calling the shots in my child's life.Maybe the families involved in this tragedy feel the same way?

joyous863 says · Oct 21, 2010 10:59 am

Babyboomer I will prayer for you. You will find through raising your 3 wonderful boys that you will not always be able to control eveything in their lives, you will have to let them live. At somepoint, you will let them go on a scouting trip, field trip or athletic trip with the school. Something bad may happen, and it won't be anyone's fault, it will just be this thing called "life" that you are probably restricting them from living right now. Parents send their children to RTC out of love. Everything doesn't always go perfect and sometime people need help, due to no fault or imperfections on their part, some parents need help getting their children through the struggling years. You won't make it through this life without experiencing and least a taste of that. There are no 100% guarantees in life. Again, I'm sending my prayers your way, because one day soon, you are going to have a very hard awaking that life is not always perfect and we don't have control, that is the guy upstairs, we are just his instruments. I pray that people will rally around you at that dark minute to help pull you through with their love. You'll probably find that those you have judge the harshes, will be the first in line to help you.

Heartbroken says · Oct 21, 2010 11:34 pm

by all means than, dont send your children away. In fact you should probably not allow them to go on field trips either. Certainly i dont need to mention allowing them to play sports because im sure you are aware of the dangers there. Last time i checked there have been deaths in public schools as well so i guess you will be home schooling. As for the $$ thing, yes Im sure Sunrise makes money. However, for you to imply that its "about the money" is just flat out an assumption on your part and you know what they say about assumptions. Money being made makes it possible to continue to provide good care, loving staff and amazing therapists. If your method of raising children works for you and you raise saints without them ever stepping out of your front door than more power to you. For the rest of us though, we have problems and we want our kids to experience life with its ups and downs and in that there is a risk of something horrible and tragic like this accident happening. Best of luck to you, and although i am completely appalled by your ignorance, i do hope that you never need to humble yourself to ask for help with your sweet boys

[/list]
kc_soc says · Oct 19, 2010 07:51 pm

I have worked at an RTC and have taken vans full of girls on trips to Moab or Zions. No matter the checks you do in the beginning, often girls would move the belts to be more comfortable (ie putting the across the shoulder strap behind them).

I feel for the staff and youth and Sunrise for their experience in such a tragic accident. My thoughts are with the families of these girls and especially for the young woman recovering in the hospital.

I caution against the judgment given here about the families of these girls and Sunrise Academy unless you know first hand the experience of a family and teen in crisis. Yes, there is money made in a private RTC - but that is completely separate from the compassion of the residential staff, therapists and teachers that work there.

pyrogarc says · Oct 20, 2010 07:57 pm

Just letting everyone know. I knew the girl that was sent to the hospital. she had severe brain injuries, she was in a coma, and she was in life support. Today 10/20/2010 at 9:30pm Her parents decided to unplug her from life support. Friends, family, and my high school is devastated. She is in a better place and I hope she rest in peace.

SUNRISE0240 says · Oct 20, 2010 10:31 pm

Dear Babyboomer, you're quite ignorant I hope you know. Let me ask you something. Did you attend Sunrise Academy? I didn't think so, because if you did, or if any of your children did, you wouldn't be saying the trash that is coming out of your mouth. I went to treatment there for 7 months. May 09 - Dec 09 and I've been home for 10 months now. The way the media, and ignorant people are responding to this tragic incident is ridiculous and I am appalled completely. What is it with you people? In our such perfect world can we never expect the unexpected to happen? I didn't think so, because that's life. It doesn't matter how this incident happened, it did. It could be just teenagers driving and this happen, it could've been grandparents driving their grandchildren, and this could happen. It just so happens to be that this incident happened with young teenage girls, with the most loving staff I've ever met in my life, driving the vehicle. The driver was one of my three favorite staff at Sunrise, and she changed my life in ways never possible without the help from the girls and staff from Sunrise. Let me ask you something, all-knowing God, Babyboomer... how much do you think it costs to run a treatment center like this? Hmmm? How much do you think it costs a week to keep a pool in the backyard, to take these girls on trips, to fill the gas tanks of the vehicles, to pay the staff, to have top of the line therapy, to have a nurse, to have one on one education with some of the brightest teachers, how much does it cost a week to have a yoga instructor come and teach the girls yoga, how much does it cost to have dance lessons, how much does it cost to have healthy, nutrious food a week, EVERYDAY, how much does it cost to heat and cool the place with all of about 20 rooms total in that place with 30-35 girls at a time, new ones coming in and out? I'd say about 2.5-5 million dollars a year. So unless you know first hand like I do, I'd say it's in your best intrest to shut up and go back to your life, because your two cents in this conversation mean nothing. If you as a parent, did all you could to SAVE your childs life, to HELP, to MAKE BETTER of your childs life, and nothing was working, what would you do? Say screw it because they MIGHT die, one in a million chance they might die in a car accident?! No, they could die in the life they were living before Sunrise. It's not an easy decision to make to send your own child away to treatment, I saw how hard it was for my parents that first day I was there, but you know what? The outcome of it all was so amazing and I'd do it over a dozen times, no matter how much money it cost, getting my life back, my realtionships back, it doesn't mean a thing to me, and my parents will tell you the same thing, money wasn't the deciding factor in sending me away, it was what was the best place to help our daughter? And it was Sunrise, and it will forever be Sunrise, the place that changed my life.

OhioMom says · Oct 21, 2010 07:58 am

This was a tragic accident and not about RTC's. It is true that no one can love your child like you can, but if all it took to get your child through her teens was love then there wouldn't be a need for RTC's.

My heart breaks for everyone involved in this tragic accident. My thoughts and prayers turn to all of you many times a day. I know from experience that sending your daughter for help was the hardest decision you ever had to make. If your daughter was at Sunrise for any length of time you were seeing progress and getting the sense that your daughter was coming back to you. I cannot image your sorrow at this time and all I have to offer you is prayer. May God bless you and hold you in His loving arms. Turn to Him and lean on Him for strength and comfort. He will not leave you now or ever. When it seems too much to bear, turn your sorrow over to Him and He will bear it for you. Your beautiful, wonderful daughters are in the presence of the Lord and they are at peace. Know that there is an extended community of Sunrise parents and alumni who have heard of your loss and are holding your families up in prayer.

momnrntoo says · Oct 27, 2010 12:14 pm:

What these girls, their families and Sunrise have experienced is a tragedy.We should pray for them and allow them the privacy and the time to grieve and to continue their healing.

Copyright 2010 The Salt Lake Tribune.

[Whooter]

Apparently Sunrise Academy was less than fully diligent about ensuring that the girls were properly secured by their seat belts. The girl that got ejected from the vehicle and was hence critically injured ... was only wearing the lap restraint.

Ultimately they are responsible, but the problem goes way beyond this.  Kids are being killed all over the US, being thrown from vehicles unnecessarily.  How do we insure that everyone has the proper seat belts?  How can the driver of the vehicle be expected to turn around and try to keep telling everyone to fasten their seat belts?  That in itself could cause an accident.  We could argue that the car companies should install devices to detect this and stop the car automatically, but someone would figure out a way to over ride it if they wanted to.  Another thought is there is plenty of education out there to let people know the risks they are taking if they don't buckle up.



...

[Ursus]

Another article...

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ABC4.com
Teen killed in crash on I-70
Published: 10/17 8:56 pm · Updated: 10/17 9:20 pm



SEVIER COUNTY, Utah (ABC 4 News) - One teenager was killed and five others were injured after a suburban carrying teenagers rolled on I-70 Sunday morning.  

UHP troopers say the vehicle was traveling from Hurricane to Moab with a group of youth from Sunrise Academy, a treatment center for troubled teenage girls.

Near milepost 23 the driver lost control in a curve and corrected back. The vehicle then went off the left side of the road and rolled several times.

17-year-old Natasha Newman from London, England suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene.

Another 17-year-old female from Arlington, Massachusetts was ejected from the vehicle and transported by Life Flight to a Salt Lake area hospital.

The other four occupants of the vehicle were taken to Sevier Valley Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Police say charges will be evaluated when the investigation on the crash is complete.


Copyright 2010 Newport Television LLC