SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) A grandfather who pleaded guilty to negligent homicide in the fall of his young granddaughter from an 11th-story window of a cruise ship docked in Puerto . How did he know that there was glass?" From my point of view, at the moment the accident happened, it was as if this wall of protective glass disappeared. When speaking to Primera Hora, Elmer Roman said that Wiegand hit an awning after she fell before landing on the pavement. Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. He said Chloe slipped from his grip and her death was an accident. Someone asked if Chloe had any health issues. If an 18 month old child fell to her death because a caregiver sat or stood her on an apartment balcony railing would anyone be taking the side of the caregiver? as well as other partner offers and accept our. She argues that the cruise lines latest motion neglects to tell the Court and, presumably, the authorities that there were no less than THIRTEEN CCTV video cameras in the area of the incident. One of the voices to emerge in the last week belongs to Dr. Marcel Alexander Armand Van Drunick, the cruise ship doctor who . Anello was aboard the Royal Caribbean Cruises Freedom of the Seas ship with family in July 2019 when the death occurred. I just cannot see how the cruise line is to blame. "This court finds that a reasonable person through ordinary use of his senses would have known of the dangers associated with Mr. Anello's conduct. The court documents filed on January 8, 2020, seek dismissal of the lawsuit filed by the toddler's family against Royal Caribbean Cruises that claims they were negligent. Carmona said, Sadly, she died on impact.. As the negligent homicide trial for Salvatore "Sam" Anello inches closer, new details are continuing to emerge about what happened on that fateful day in July, when 18-month-old Chloe Wiegand fell 150 feet to her death off the 11th deck of a Royal Caribbean cruise liner. Not unusual for premies, and don't know what if any issues remained as a toddler. A judge said the grandfather should have known he was holding Chloe to an open window. He lost his balance which caused Wiegand to fall. There was no hidden danger Mr. Anello knew the window was open. "The family is surprised and deeply saddened by the court's ruling. The grieving mother said it took her three months to speak to him again. Accordingly, the Defendant owed no duty to warn of it, the judge continued. A newly-released deposition video obtained by MailOnline shows Chloe Wiegand's mother emotionally distraught as she relives the day her toddler daughter died aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. He also said he is colorblind and that may be why he didnt realize the tinted window was open. Thats why she hired us to advocate on her behalf, which we will do until the bitter end., CLICK HERE FOR PREVIOUS CHLOE WIEGAND COVERAGE. Winkleman said Anello didn't realize there was no glass directly in front of him. Winkleman said Anello's proposed guilty plea in Chloe's death would have "little or no effect at all on the civil lawsuit," noting that Anello . Salvatore Anello, has been charged in Puerto Rico with negligent homicide. Anello previously told "CBS This Morning" that his colorblindness prevented him from telling that he was holding his granddaughter up to an open window, rather than a pane of glass. The video shows what appears to be 18-month-old Chloe cross over to the side of the ship and stand in front of a bank of windows. Chloe Wiegand fell to her death in July after her grandfather lifted her to the window on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas ship while the vessel docked. As CrimeOnline previously reported, Chloe Wiegand, an 18-month-old toddler from Granger, Indiana, was on a cruise with family when she lost her life aboard Royal Caribbeans Freedom of the Seas cruise ship. A life that belonged on his own show: Born . Kimberly Wiegand, the mother of 1-year-old Chloe, was on a cruise with family members when her daughter lost her life aboard Royal Caribbeans Freedom of the Seas cruise ship. In July 2019, one-year-old Chloe Wiegand fell 150 feet to her death after her grandfather Salvatore Anello placed her on a ledge on the 11th floor of the Royal Caribbean Cruises' Freedom of the Seas ship. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I found a tw it ter account for a family member and it is interesting to see the comments. Wonderful, just, would do anything for you. If Grandpa is really color blind, and that's what caused him to think the window was closed, why didn't that come out from the start? You are using an out of date browser. Chloe Wiegand's grandfather Salvatore Anello accidentally dropped the 18-month-old through an open window of the ship docked in San Juan in July 2019 . He leaned over behind her and she slipped off the narrow window sill with the metal track. rather than creating a tremendous safety hazard that cost our child her life." Mother sobs at memory of baby's body on dock after she plunged to her death from cruise ship. Royal Caribbean has been cleared of wrongdoing, following a lawsuit brought on by the parents of Chloe Wiegand, a toddler who lost her life aboard the cruise ship in 2018. Chloe Wiegand's family sues Royal Caribbean over toddler's cruise ship death Video of toddler's fatal cruise ship fall may help decide grandfather's fate 'She slipped': Grandfather speaks on . Speaking to WSBT, Anellos supervisor said, Well Sal works in the IT department, hes a very valuable employee. She had been on a family vacation with her parents, two siblings, and two sets of grandparents. Join Nancy Grace for her new online video series designed to help you protect what you love most your children. The Plaintiffs have provided no evidence showing the Defendant was on notice of that danger.. [Feature Photo: Chloe Wiegand/Family Handout], North Carolina Cop, Wife Found Shot Dead in Fayetteville Home, We Have Zero Leads: $80,000 Reward Offered for Information Leading to Man Who Gunned Down Texas Family, Missing: 18-Year-Old Mom Takes Toddler Son From Dads During Supervised Visit, U.S. District Judge Donald Graham in Florida, subscribe to the Crime Stories with Nancy Grace podcast. The only person that fell out that window was the girl who's . The parents of Chloe Wiegand, the toddler who died from a cruise ship fall, is calling for for safer windows on luxury ocean liners. She was playing with her grandfather, Salvatore Anello, in the childrens H2O Zone childrens water park when she fell from an open window. During the deposition, however, Kimberly admitted that she initially screamed at her stepfather, Anello, and accused him of killing his granddaughter. The girls parents sued Royal Caribbean in a civil case that is still ongoing. Kimberly Wiegand said during the deposition she hadnt yet watched the video because she couldnt bring herself to do it. Royal Caribbean has said that Wiegands death was a tragic incident and that the company was helping the family. According to officials in the U.S. territory, Chloe Wiegand was 18 months old at the time of her death. "The only way that you can prove or disprove anything that Sam said is based on the video and based on his testimony Those are the only pieces of evidence you have," Winkleman said. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Royal Caribbean has premised its defense in this case and its blame on Chloes grandfather by supplying two deceptive views from its CCTV cameras to the court and the Puerto Rico authorities, lawyer Jacqueline Garcel told the outlet in a statement. Winkleman said Anellos decision to agree to plea guilty is in the best interests of the family so that they can close this horrible chapter and turn their focus to mourning Chloe., Winkleman said the family would also be focusing on fighting for cruise passenger safety by raising awareness about the need for all common carriers to adhere to window fall prevention laws designed to protect children from falling from windows.. The only reasonable conclusion from the video is that Mr. Anello knew the window was open before picking up Chloe, the court papers say. I have a question, apparently hes done an interview (I havent seen it yet) where hes quoted as saying. Powered by. Anello, who often accompanied Chloe to her brothers hockey games, where she enthusiastically banged on the hockey rink glass panel, said he lifted the girl up at her request while they were in the play area. The grandfather of an 18-month-old toddler who fell to her death from the 11th floor of a Royal Caribbean International cruise ship has been sentenced to three years of probation after pleading guilty to negligent homicide, Puerto Rican authorities announced Monday.. Salvatore Anello's granddaughter Chloe Wiegand died in July 2019 after falling out of a window on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship . Royal Caribbean did not immediately return Insider's request for comment. 1:31. Is twitter not allowed on this thread? In addition to being a police officer, Alan Wiegand is also an assistant coach with the Irish Youth Hockey League, according to his LinkedIn page. Defense attorney Michael Winkleman has said Anello would serve probation in his home state. Fellow passengers could hear the woman screaming. Chloe Wiegand . Chloe's parents, Alan and Kimberly Wiegand, sued Royal Caribbean in 2019, saying the company's poorly-designed windows and lack of warning notices were responsible for the fall. He has said he did not know the window in the childrens play area was open and that he lifted 18-month-old Chloe Wiegand up to it so she could knock on the glass as she had done at her brothers hockey games. Nelson Sotelo told the Associated Press that the extended Wiegand and Anello families will remain on the island until the investigation is complete. 2019 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. When the pair finally spoke, Anello denied knowing that the window was open. Being colorblind doesn't does not make one blind. The ship carries more than 4,500 passengers and crew. Link your TV provider to stream full episodes and live TV. 7. Jackie Salo. The family of a little girl who died in a fall from the 11th floor of a cruise ship will sue Royal Caribbean and call for safer windows on luxury ocean liners. Security footage of Anello popping his head out of the window, before lifting Chloe up and holding her outside for about 34 seconds before she fell, appeared to contradict his claim. The true risk-creating danger here was Mr. Anello lifting a child up to an open window, federal Judge Donald Graham wrote, as he absolved the cruise liner of liability. At no time did I not think that there was a protective wall of glass around me. . They had boarded the ship in Puerto Rico. Kim and Alan Wiegand, the parents of Chloe Wiegand, said at a news conference in South Bend Wednesday that they hope the lawsuit leads to safety changes, including additional signage, Stay up to date with what you want to know. Chloe . Wiegand fell to her death at around 5 p.m. Facebook/Salvatore AnelloChloe Wiegands grandfather Salvatore Anello pictured on his Facebook page. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Indianapolis, IN Interactive Weather Radar. Her parents are trying to blame the cruise ship owners, saying that the windows are dangerous and signs should have been displayed saying that they can be opened. The only reasonable conclusion from the video is that Mr. Anello knew the window was open before picking up Chloe. A 1-year-old girl from Indiana apparently slipped from her grandfather's hands and fell to her death from the 11th story of a cruise ship docked in Puerto Rico, police said Monday. Anello wascharged last yearin Puerto Rico with negligent homicide in her death and initially pleaded not guilty. Kimberly Wiegand has maintained that the cruise ship is responsible for her daughters death for allegedly failing to warn passengers about an open window. And as these photographs and the photos included in the Complaint show, the window was several feet off the deck. That means the staff reads them and decides which comments to publish, rather than simply publishing all of the comments. Prosecutors have charged Anello with negligent homicide. Chloe Wiegand died because of her grandfather's foolish mistake, not because of the cruise line. CHLOE Wiegand's devastated mom broke down as she recalled the moment her stepfather accidentally dropped the 18-month-old from the 11th deck of a cruise ship. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Olympic snowboard champion Chloe Kim attended a black-tie state dinner at the White House hosted by President Biden in honor of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday. Chloe Wiegand fell from a Royal Caribbean ship's 11th deck in 2019 after her grandfather held her up. The Granger girls family, though, claimed in a January court filing responding to the cruise lines allegations that it would have been physically impossible for Anello to lean out of that window. The family is surprised and deeply saddened by the courts ruling. IMHO that beer gut is what pushed Chloe through the window. In a statement, the company said, Weve made our Care Team available to assist the family with any resources they need. Royal Caribbean said the video shows Anello then lifting his granddaughter over the wooden rail to the open window, holding her within dangers reach for approximately 34 seconds at which time she unfortunately fell. Get an all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! He also said his colorblindness prevented him from distinguishing between glass and free air, according to The Daily Mail. I've been reading about the death of Chloe Weigand, who passed in 2019, when her step-grandfather dangled her from the window of a cruise ship and dropped her. fall of his young granddaughter from an 11th-story window, pleaded guilty in the case in October 2020, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. READ NEXT: Disney Intern Paralyzed From the Neck Down Following Drunk Driver Crash, Chloe Wiegand Identified as Toddler Who Died Tragically on Cruise Ship, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. A witness to the tragedy told Telemundo that Kimberlys crying did not compare to any other scream., Statement from SBPD regarding the tragic news coming out of Puerto Rico involving the family of one of our officers. A newly-released deposition video obtained by MailOnline shows Chloe Wiegands mother emotionally distraught as she relives the day her toddler daughter died aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, NOW WATCH: The world's largest cruise ship just landed in Miami here's what it's like on board. Anello also is facing criminal charges in Puerto Rico, where prosecutors have charged him with negligent homicide in the tots death. Chloe Wiegand fell to her July 8 death from Royal Caribbean Cruises Freedom of the Seas ship, which was docked in Puerto Rico. The Freedom of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, docked on April 24, 2006 in Hamburg, Germany. #southbend pic.twitter.com/xjyDSgmV8X, South Bend Police (@southbendpolice) July 8, 2019, According to his Facebook page, Salvatore Anello works in IT for St. Joseph County. Chloe died after falling from the 11th floor and landing on the hard, concrete surface of the Pan American dock. Royal Caribbean filed a motion in response in January 2020. The Miami Herald identified the missing man as Gaffar Satwilkar. Woman Who Fell Off Cruise Ship in 2012 Explains How Terrifying It Is, It's a vacation nightmare as a passenger falls 15 stories off a cruise ship balcony into the pitch black sea. GRANGER - Chloe Rae Margaret Wiegand, also known as Coco and Margs, almost 19 months old, tragically passed away while on a family vacation in Puerto Rico this past Sunday, July 7, 2019.Chloe was the I told him I did not think I could listen to it. Are the comments from family member or in response to the family members tw ee ts? Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more! 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Plaintiffs were not aware that, for eight seconds, Mr. Anello leaned over the railing that was inches in front of the window or that after he picked up Chloe and placed her on the railing, he then placed her on the windowsill that faced the pier below. Lawyers for the cruise line asked a judge to consider the fact that the childs parents didnt watch the footage and didnt discuss the incident with Anello for months. In his Tuesday decision, Graham argued that Anello was to blame for the toddler's death, not the cruise line. Chloe got out of my hands because there wasnt glass I expected there. Harrowing footage showing the moments before toddler Chloe Wiegand fell to her death while on-board a Royal Caribbean cruise ship has been released by Puerto Rican TV show La Comay. I wasnt drinking and I wasnt dangling her out of a window. At first 100% in support of the family, then after they began blaming the cruise line some negative comments appeared. GF is a piece of work! I wasnt drinking and I wasnt dangling her out of a window, he previously said. Chloe Wiegand died in 2019 after falling 150 feet through an open window on the cruise ship. So the last 2 stories, one by Winkleman about the video, and one with the CBS tape, have only shown a couple hundred replies each, most expressing great sympathy for the step grandfather with a much smaller number saying that the cruise line is not at fault. The ship was docked in Puerto Rico at the time of the incident, on July 7, 2019. In a video deposition, Chloe's mother Kimberly Wiegand can be seen . Texas Senate passes voting bill despite Dems fleeing the s Dad of crying infant that triggered Texas massacre 'never thought' gunman would shoot, It's not just soda: Nutritionists weigh in on the absolute worst drinks for your health, I'm a dentist you're ruining your teeth with these 4 common mistakes, Gayle King says she doesnt have a desire to retire: I want more work, WNBA star Brittney Griner is heading to the Met Gala, Mariah Carey celebrates Moroccan and Monroes 12th birthday: My babies, NY Post Sports Reporter Zach Braziller breaks down the Knicks game 1 loss to the Heat, Elon Musk Tells Bill Maher Woke Mind Virus Is Dangerous On Real Time, Kendall Jenner rocks sheer top, fur mini skirt for date night with Bad Bunny. Alan and Kim Wiegand, Chloe's parents, filed the lawsuit against the cruise line in December 2019, alleging Royal Caribbean was negligent through its lack of warning signs and safety precautions . He said he believed he was lifting Chloe so that she could bang on the glass like at a hockey game. JavaScript is disabled. There is something going on with how this story is being handled at the Daily Mail. Is is possible that is happening with this story? Witnesses say she was taking a selfie during rough seas when she plunged overboard. SugarPlum, I have no idea why he went on CBS, but is it possible that he is receiving compensation for the interview? Chloe died after falling from the 11th floor and landing on the hard, concrete surface of the Pan American dock. GettyFreedom of the Seas pictured in May 2006. Please enter valid email address to continue. Investigators say the girl slipped from Anellos hands and plummeted to her death. He appeared in court Wednesday and was expected back in court on Dec. 17. The Daily Mail published a new photo of Chloe a couple of days ago and they said " This is the final haunting photo of tragic Chloe Weigand The bitter-sweet image obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com". On Tuesday, a judge threw out the lawsuit before it could go to trial in Florida next week, arguing grandfather Salvatore Anello, who accidentally dropped the child to her death from the 11th deck, was to blame, according to Miami federal court documents. Chloe Wiegand's grandfather accidentally dropped the 18-month-old through an open window of the ship docked in San Juan in July 2019. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Family 'heartbroken' as search called off for cruise passenger who fell overboard near Hawaii, Royal Caribbean cruise ship passenger goes overboard on trip to Hawaii, Magician tackled onstage by guest during Royal Caribbean cruise show, Royal Caribbean cruise ship rescues 17 Cuban migrants spotted on tiny 'boat', taken legal action against the cruise line. He nonetheless lifted the child over the wooden rail and the open window for a considerable period, recklessly endangering her life. He said, no. Mr. Salvatore Anello, wearing a dark short sleeve shirt (see red circle) following Chloe, wearing a white hat (see second red circle), towards the open window on Deck 11: 2. News North Sports Indy 500 Things To Do Opinion Obituaries . He told CBS This Morning in November that he was trying to stand Chloe on the windows railing when she fell out of the window. Thanks for contacting us. The parents of the toddler alleged that poorly designed windows and a lack of warning notices were responsible for their daughters fall from a Freedom of the Seas cruiser as it docked in Puerto Rico. The documents filed by Royal Caribbean claim Anello's actions were captured on two separate video surveillance cameras, which were previously unreleased. For the latest true crime and justice news,subscribe to the Crime Stories with Nancy Grace podcast. A spokesman for the Coast Guard, Michael Mullen, told the station, Weve been in contact with the crewmembers family throughout our search efforts and know this is a very difficult time for them. He then reaches down, picks Chloe up and appears to hold her over the railing. Grandfather thought window was closed before Indiana toddler fell from cruise ship, Indiana toddler dies after falling from cruise ship. TX - Athena Strand, 8, Abducted & Murdered By FedEx Contract Driver, Tanner Horner, Paradise, 2022 #2, NY - Ex-President Donald Trump rape accuser E. Jean Carroll, sues him for battery and defamation, Trial 25 Apr 2023, Madeleine McCann: German Prisoner Identified as Suspect, #33, UK - Nurse Lucy Letby, Faces 22 Charges - 7 Murder/15 Attempted Murder of Babies #19, Grandfather charged in girl's cruise ship death says he's colorblind, calls outcome of case "inconsequential". Begnaud asked. The support they continue to give me has been beyond overwhelming and I cant tell you how grateful I am for them.. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider And thats been the conversation that I had with him, Kimberly said. Within five seconds Chloe falls more than 100 feet below. This is something that was a preventable accidentThese windows are entirely not compliant with the standard for windows on cruise ships., CLICK HERE FOR PREVIOUS CHLOE WIEGAND COVERAGE. I think I posted on the other thread there is a possibility he was colorblind. The Wiegand familys attorney, Michael Winkleman, previously saidthat the Freedom of the Seas ship didnt meet industry safety standards. The stunning video shows grandfather Salvatore Anello, clad in a dark shirt, put his head out the window for 8 seconds before picking up Chloe in her white sunhat from the floor, according to court papers filed by Royal Caribbean in a bid to dismiss the Wiegand familys lawsuit over the tots July death. The family hails from Indiana. A lawyer for the Wiegand family bashed the cruise line over the weekend for releasing the footage, claiming that the video released from the fatal episode was deceptive, WTHR reported. This is a matter that should be decided by a jury, and we are confident and hopeful the appellate court will agree," Winkleman told the outlet.