Settlement in Ride of Steel tragedy

DARIEN, N.Y. (WIVB) - A settlement has been reached in the case involving Darien Lake and the family of Sergeant James Hackemer. Although lawyers wouldn't comment on the dollar amount of the settlement, both say it will help take care of Hackemer's two young daughters.

Darien lake is known for its family friendly atmosphere, but one of its main attractions, The Ride of Steel, stole the life of father, James Hackemer.

Hackemer lost both of his legs in the Iraq war and faced many obstacles in his recovery.

"I had to learn how to do everything. I had to learn how to talk, write, read, see, eat," said Hackemer on April 4, 2011.

One summer day in 2011 he went on the Ride of Steel where he was thrown from it and died.

"He was on a long road to recovery and had made great strides toward recovery and then this happened. I know first-hand that this litigation has served to change training on these kinds of rides," said Denis Bastible who represents Hackemer's estate.

The attorneys for Darien Lake and Hackemer's estate recently agreed to a settlement, neither of which would say for how much.

The Buffalo News reports it's in the seven figures. The settlement will provide for Hackemer's two young daughters.

"The funds that his kids are going to receive are a structured settlement annuity which will provide payments through their lifetime," said Bastible.

Meanwhile, Hugh Russ the lawyer for the amusement park said, "Darien Lake and its management are relieved to settle this case, and while they admit no liability, they did feel obligated to help care for Mr. Hackemer's two children."
               
"I know they've tightened up the rules and training at parks around the country as a result of this incident. So if there's any good that can come out of it, so something like this is unlikely to ever happen again," said Bastible.