ST. PAUL, Minn. – The last of the legal issues surrounding the 2013 tragedy at Lilydale Park that claimed two young boys has been resolved. The cases involved four boys altogether.
Haysem Sani, 9, and Mohamed Fofana, 10, were killed while on a fossil-gathering field trip from Peter Hobart Elementary School in St. Louis Park. Devin Meldahl, 10, was seriously injured when buried up to his waist in the collapse of the river bluff that killed Sani and Fofana.
The families of the three fourth graders received more than $1,000,000 in settlements with the City of St. Paul and the St. Louis Park School District. Now, a fourth boy, who narrowly escaped serious injury in the incident has reached a settlement with the City of St. Paul.
"This settlement really represents primarily compensation for psychological trauma," said John Goetz, Attorney for the families. "Lucas was in the pit when the landslide occurred. He was a matter of feet from the two boys who were killed and Devin Meldahl who was half buried alive. He had anxiety attacks, panic attacks and just couldn't get rid of the memory. In the family car they were driving one day alongside a construction site where there was dirt piled up and the sight of the dirt just triggered a panic attack."
Goetz said therapy has helped restore Lee's mental balance.
"He is back to being a normal, healthy, active little boy," said Goetz.
Lee's settlement is $20,000. $15,000 of which will be placed into an account for him until he turns 18, as required by law.
The settlement must be approved by a judge and the St. Paul City Council, but Goetz does not expect that to be a problem. A filing with a judge is expected within 30 days.
The school district was not involved in Lee's case, according to Goetz.
"Lucas's parents felt that the school district had been so good to Lucas, had been so nurturing and helpful and considerate after this happened that they didn't want to pursue a claim against the school district."
