Families of women killed in bluff collapse reach settlement of $32 million
A settlement has been reached in the case of a tragic bluff collapse at a North County beach in 2019 that resulted in three women losing their lives.
ENCINITAS, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A settlement has been reached in the case of a tragic bluff collapse at a North County beach in 2019 that resulted in three women losing their lives.
According a news release from Bibianne Fell, the attorney for the plaintiffs, on Tuesday, the state of California, city of Encinitas and condominium owners and management have agreed to a settlement of more than $32 million with the women's families.
On Aug. 2, 2019, 65-year-old Julie Davis, her 35-year-old daughter Anne Clave, and 62-year-old sister Elizabeth Charles went to Grandview Beach to celebrate Charles' recovery from breast cancer. That afternoon, a portion of the cliff collapsed on the three women, killing them.
In a previous story by FOX 5, Fell claimed that Encinitas knew about the cliff's dangers for several years but did not do anything to prevent erosion or warn visitors.
In addition to the $32.85 million, the settlement includes a confidential monetary amount as well as an agreement with the city of Encinitas to bring more awareness about the dangers of bluff collapse along the coastline, the release stated.
The city is also expected to implement changes including increased warning signage, a public webpage warning about dangers, enhanced lifeguard training with a focus on bluff safety and written policies for lifeguards regarding bluff-related hazards.
"While no settlement will bring them back, or ever come close to their value to those who love them, we hope that this settlement brings awareness to the bluff's hidden dangers so that there are no more tragic victims," said Pat Davis, the husband of Julie Davis, in the release.
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