Family of young boy killed in Walla Walla by falling park monument files lawsuit

WALLA WALLA — The family of a 3-year-old boy who died after a heavy stone sign collapsed on him at a local park has filed a product liability lawsuit against several companies involved in creating the display.

Kaleb Ortega suffered fatal crushing injuries on April 1 at Rooks Park when a large boulder holding an informational panel fell on him, according to a complaint filed in Walla Walla County Superior Court. The display was dedicated in 2019 as part of an Eagle Scout project honoring Capt. Albert H. Rooks and the USS Houston.

The lawsuit, filed by the boy’s parents, Miguel Ortega and Claudia Garcia, targets Boulder Designs, Boulder Designs Franchising LLC, Double T Construction Ltd., and several component suppliers. The complaint alleges the “product and support system” was top-heavy, unstable, and inadequately anchored for a public park where children would foreseeably climb or play.

According to the filing, the boy’s father and 5-year-old sister, Kamila, were present and witnessed the boulder topple onto Kaleb in a matter of seconds. The mother, a hospital nurse, was on duty when Kaleb arrived via ambulance and witnessed ongoing emergency resuscitation efforts. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for wrongful death and bystander emotional distress.

Following the incident, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers temporarily closed the facility, and the display area was fenced off. Authorities noted that the heavy sign had completely toppled onto the ground.

MyCB photo of the current USS Houston and Capt. Albert H. Brooks display

The defendants have 20 days from the service of the summons to respond to the complaint.

Top photo: The USS Houston and Capt. Albert H. Brooks display upon completion in 2019. Courtesy of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District

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