BREAKING NEWS: A Monterey County jury has just awarded $18.8 million to former Providence, Rhode Island, councilmember Helen Anthony following a devastating crash involving a vehicle driven by a California State Parks volunteer. The jury’s decision, announced on Wednesday, underscores significant concerns about public safety and volunteer training within state parks.
The accident occurred on June 10, 2023, at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, where Anthony was struck while crossing a marked pedestrian crosswalk in broad daylight. The impact resulted in catastrophic injuries, including 20 broken ribs and a traumatic brain injury, dramatically affecting her quality of life.
“This verdict makes clear that the State of California cannot escape responsibility by simply labeling someone a volunteer,” said Anthony’s attorney, Roger Dreyer. He emphasized that the jury found the state negligent in training and supervising the volunteer driver.
The state contended it should not be held accountable because the driver was a volunteer. However, evidence revealed that California offered Anthony $50,000 to settle the case before the trial, which the jury did not find sufficient.
The jury’s ruling not only sets a significant financial precedent but also highlights the urgent need for improved safety protocols in California’s state parks. As the state grapples with the implications of this verdict, public safety advocates are calling for immediate reforms.
Following the crash, Anthony resigned from her position on the Providence City Council on August 1, 2025, citing her health as a priority in her recovery. In her resignation letter, she expressed gratitude for her constituents’ support over the years but acknowledged that her responsibilities were hindering her healing process.
As this story develops, the focus will remain on the state’s response and potential changes in policies regarding volunteer training and public safety measures in state parks.
This urgent ruling not only impacts Anthony’s future but also raises essential questions about the accountability of state agencies in ensuring the safety of all who visit California’s natural reserves. Stay tuned for more updates as this situation unfolds.
