North Myrtle Beach Settles Lawsuit for $6.25 Million
North Myrtle Beach is buzzing with recent news from one of its most beloved attractions, Alligator Adventure Park. The park has made headlines for its decision to offer a whopping $6.25 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit that arose from a tragic incident back in 2021.
The lawsuit was filed by John Capodilupo, who represented the estate of his late wife, Shannon Capodilupo. The couple was visiting from Massachusetts when Shannon suffered a serious fall in the park’s parking lot, allegedly due to an un-repaired asphalt surface. This incident left Shannon with grave injuries, including a brain bleed, and unfortunately, she passed away just months later.
The Details of the Incident
According to the complaint, the Capodilupos were making their way to the park entrance on a warm July day in 2021 when disaster struck. As they approached the entrance, Shannon tripped and fell, leading to her sustaining multiple head and facial injuries. Medical professionals diagnosed her with a brain hematoma, resulting in a series of medical interventions including an embolism procedure and extensive physical therapy.
Sadly, Shannon’s health gradually declined after her initial injuries, leading to seizures and other serious ailments, which ultimately resulted in her passing on November 14, 2021. While no amount of money can bring back a loved one, the severe emotional and financial toll this incident took on the Capodilupo family is precisely why they sought legal recourse.
The Settlement Agreement
On September 18, 2024, the petition for the settlement was filed by John Capodilupo in court. This settlement agreement stipulates that Alligator Adventure Park will pay the amount through its insurance, with $6 million earmarked specifically for the wrongful death claim, and $250,000 allocated for survival claims. The family’s legal fees will account for approximately $2.12 million of the total settlement. The settlement will also release Alligator Adventure Park from any current or future claims related to this unfortunate incident.
While attorney Mark Chappell Jr., who represented the family, expressed pride in helping the Capodilupos find closure in such a tragic situation, it’s important to note that the park has not admitted any wrongdoing. W. McElhaney White, who is representing Alligator Adventure Park and its parent company, has maintained that the park does not acknowledge negligence of any kind.
About Alligator Adventure Park
For those unfamiliar, Alligator Adventure Park is a popular reptile and wildlife attraction located right next to Barefoot Landing. The park is known for its interactive shows and exhibits that include various wild animals, such as alligators, mountain lions, and even cassowaries! It’s a hotspot for families and tourists alike looking for a day of fun and educational experiences.
Now, as the park navigates this rocky road, many are wondering what this means for its future operations. Will there be changes to how they manage safety? Only time will tell, but locals are hopeful that lessons will be learned to prevent similar situations in the future.
What’s Next?
This settlement marks a pivotal point for Alligator Adventure Park, as they continue to operate in one of South Carolina’s most beloved tourist destinations. As local residents of Myrtle Beach, we all join together in sending thoughts to the Capodilupo family during this difficult moment.
It serves as a reminder that while we adore our local attractions, it’s essential to maintain safety to ensure every guest’s experience is not only fun but also secure.
So, whether you’re planning a family outing or just passing through, let’s keep our eyes peeled for those little bumps and cracks on our walks—our safety is worth it!
