Dallin Cunningham death: Internet backs Utah family's $90K lawsuit after boy, 8, fatally falls from slide

Warning: Graphic content, readers’ discretion advised

ROSE SPRINGS, UTAH: A joyful day at the playground turned into an unimaginable nightmare for the Cunningham family of Utah. In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, their 8-year-old son, Dallin, lost his life after a horrifying fall from a slide at Rose Springs Elementary School.

The family has now filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Tooele County School District, alleging gross negligence and a failure to maintain proper safety standards on the playground equipment, as per New York Post.

Cunninghams are seeking at least $90K in damages

The young boy died on February 6 when he "flew out" of a corkscrew slide at Rose Springs Elementary School, plummeting 7 feet onto the "frozen rock-hard" mulch below. The impact resulted in a traumatic brain injury, and despite medical intervention, Dallin succumbed to his injuries the following day.

The Cunninghams are seeking at least $90,000 in damages for the coverage of medical expenses related to Dallin's brief hospitalization, with the potential for additional compensation to be determined at trial.

In their lawsuit, Timothy and Kathryn Cunningham allege that the school district failed to maintain adequate safety measures on the playground, ultimately leading to their son's untimely demise.

Lawsuit points out lack of safe playground conditions

The family claims the slide was "unreasonably dangerous," describing it as "excessively fast and steep" without any safety railings to prevent falls. Furthermore, the suit alleges that the mulch bed beneath the slide was a mere "1 inch in depth before being frozen solid underneath," a far cry from the recommended 12 inches required for safe playground conditions.

"The amount of mulch 'below the slide in freezing temperatures' was not enough to safely handle 'the hard impact of Dallin's fall,'" the suit states. Amidst the grief and controversy, the Cunningham family mourned the loss of their "perfect, imperfect eight-year-old little boy," remembering his infectious smiles, hugs, cuddles, and playful spirit.

In his obituary, they bid farewell to Dallin's "amazing mind," acknowledging the void his absence would leave in their lives.

Internet reacts to Cunningham family's wrongful death lawsuit

In the aftermath of the heart-wrenching tragedy that befell Dallin at Rose Springs Elementary School, the news of the Cunningham family suing the Tooele County School District has ignited a flurry of reactions across the internet.

Users were quick to express their outrage, questioning the safety measures and responsibility of the school. One commenter on X remarked, "Yes, it's sad, but was that his first time on the slide?"

Another user conveyed their sorrow by posting emojis of teary-eyed faces and prayers. A third user took a proactive stance by stating, "Someone needs to post a pic of this slide."

Meanwhile, someone else asserted, "Very careless of the school." Another scathing comment read, "One inch of mulch wouldn’t block weeds, much less cushion a fall."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.