Denver7 Investigates has obtained exclusive pictures and videos of the tragedy that unfolded at the Gaylord Rockies Resort indoor waterpark in Aurora one year ago.
Six people were injured when thousands of pounds of HVAC mechanical equipment came crashing down from more than 30 feet above and into the pool area. Two people were taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
“We are just heartbroken over it. It was very preventable,” said Patti Markiewicz, whose husband was seriously injured the day of the collapse. For the first time since the incident, Denver7 Investigates spoke with Patti, who describes the event as, “one big epic failure.”
A recently filed lawsuit claims the incident was a result of “poor design, poor construction, and poor maintenance.” It now alleges the owners of the Gaylord and twelve other defendants are responsible for gross negligence.
“It’s a family tragedy that should have never happened,” Michael Berg, an attorney representing the victims, said. “When you cut corners something bad is going to happen and people are going to get hurt.”