BREAKING: A jury in Monterey County awarded former Providence, Rhode Island councilmember Helen Anthony $18.8 million on Wednesday after she suffered life-altering injuries in a crash involving a vehicle driven by a volunteer for California State Parks. This landmark ruling underscores the state’s negligence in training and supervising park volunteers, a decision that has immediate implications for public safety in state parks.
The jury’s verdict comes as a significant blow to California, confirming that the state cannot evade responsibility by designating individuals as volunteers. Anthony’s attorney, Roger Dreyer, stated, “This verdict makes clear that the State of California cannot escape responsibility by simply labeling someone a volunteer.” He emphasized that the jury recognized the state’s failure to properly train and supervise the volunteer, leading to Anthony’s devastating injuries.
On June 10, 2023, while visiting Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Anthony was struck in a marked crosswalk during broad daylight, resulting in catastrophic injuries including 20 broken ribs and a traumatic brain injury that will have lasting effects on her quality of life. Medical testimonies highlighted the severe and ongoing impact of her injuries throughout the trial.
Despite the clear evidence of negligence, the state argued it should not be held liable since the driver was a volunteer. However, during proceedings, Anthony’s legal team revealed that California had previously offered her $50,000 to settle the case, suggesting an acknowledgment of potential liability.
A spokesperson from California State Parks was unavailable for immediate comment following the verdict.
In the wake of her injuries, Anthony resigned from her position on the Providence City Council on August 1, 2025, citing the need to focus on her health. In her resignation letter, she expressed pride in her service and the challenges posed by her recovery, stating, “Unfortunately, the demands of those roles are hindering my ability to heal.”
This case not only highlights the challenges faced by public officials but also raises critical questions about the safety protocols in place at California’s natural reserves. As the implications of this ruling resonate, it serves as a wake-up call for state officials to reevaluate training and supervision for park volunteers.
Moving forward, all eyes will be on California State Parks and how they respond to this verdict, as well as any potential changes in policies regarding volunteer training and safety protocols. This case is a pivotal moment in shaping public safety standards in state parks, ensuring that incidents like Anthony’s are less likely to occur in the future.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story that is capturing national attention.
