A Tarrant County jury has delivered a landmark verdict against the ownership and management companies of the Royalton Chic resort in Cancun, Mexico, ruling that the property was negligent in the 2021 death of Arlington Firefighter Elijah Snow.
The lawsuit filed by Snow’s widow, Jamie Snow, alleged that hotel bartenders encouraged excessive drinking without regard for safety, contributing to her husband’s tragic demise. According to court documents, Elijah Snow was found dead near the resort, wedged in a small window at a neighboring hotel with significant bruises, cuts and scratches. The cause of death was determined to be suffocation.
Jurors were presented with evidence that the Royalton Chic resort neglected its own missing person protocols and failed to implement adequate security measures to protect guests amid heightened criminal activity in the area. This glaring lapse in responsibility was deemed a direct contributory factor to Snow’s untimely passing.
The Tarrant County jury delivered a significant verdict, ordering the Royalton Chic resort’s ownership and management companies to pay $31.175 million in damages to Jamie Snow. The monetary award is seen as a measure of accountability for the negligence exhibited by the resort’s staff and a testament to the enduring impact of Elijah Snow’s tragic death on his loved ones.
The case highlights concern about the safety and security practices at tourist resorts, particularly in regions with high crime rates. It serves as a sobering reminder that even in foreign destinations, tourists have a right to expect a safe and secure environment during their stays.
Jamie Snow and her family will undoubtedly continue to grapple with the aftermath of Elijah’s passing. However, this verdict brings some measure of justice and closure to their ordeal, underscoring the importance of responsible business practices and accountability in the tourism industry.
Source: Fire Rescue
