Universal Orlando Resort Settles Wrongful Death Lawsuit With Family of Man Who Jumped From Aventura Hotel

Shannen Ace

Aventura

Universal Orlando Resort Settles Wrongful Death Lawsuit With Family of Man Who Jumped From Aventura Hotel

Shannen Ace

Aventura

Universal Orlando Resort Settles Wrongful Death Lawsuit With Family of Man Who Jumped From Aventura Hotel

Universal Orlando Resort has settled a wrongful death lawsuit regarding the suicide of a 27-year-old man who fell from Universal’s Aventura Hotel in 2019, Orlando Sentinel reports.

Aventura Hotel Universal Orlando wide view
Photo Credit: Universal Orlando Resort

On August 12, 2019 at about 12:30 a.m., Matthew Bahna fell to his death after climbing an eight-foot wall at Bar 17 Bistro on the 17th floor of Aventure Hotel.

Bahna’s father, Alfred Bahna, has sued several companies, including Loews Corp. and Universal Orlando Resort. He sought damages in excess of $30,000, alleging the bar didn’t have sufficient barriers and that employees served Matthew Bahna too many drinks, impairing his judgment. Loews and Universal denied these allegations in court.

The parties reached a confidential agreement during mediation on August 3. The case was then dismissed on September 6.

Matthew Bahna was nicknamed “Waffles” and loved music, so his parents created The Waffles Foundation in his honor. The nonprofit donates musical instruments to children in need.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or chat with a trained counselor through the Lifeline website. In an emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest hospital.

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