Jury Awards $18.8 Million to Rhode Island Councilmember After Crash

UPDATE: A Monterey County jury has just awarded $18.8 million to former Providence, Rhode Island councilmember Helen Anthony following a devastating accident involving a vehicle driven by a California State Parks volunteer. The jury’s decision, announced on Wednesday, underscores serious allegations of negligence against the State of California regarding the training and supervision of park volunteers.

This landmark ruling comes in the wake of a catastrophic incident on June 10, 2023, when Anthony was struck while crossing a marked pedestrian crosswalk at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. The accident resulted in severe injuries, including 20 broken ribs and a traumatic brain injury, which her attorney confirms will have lifelong consequences.

Roger Dreyer, Anthony’s attorney, emphasized the jury’s message: “This verdict makes clear that the State of California cannot escape responsibility by simply labeling someone a volunteer.” The decision is a powerful statement on public safety within state parks, highlighting a critical failure in oversight that led to Anthony’s life-altering injuries.

During the trial, evidence surfaced that California had offered Anthony $50,000 to settle the case, which the jury rejected in favor of a much larger award that reflects the severity of her situation. The state argued that it bore no responsibility for the actions of the volunteer driver, but the jury’s conclusion suggests otherwise.

Following the crash, Anthony announced her resignation from the Providence City Council on August 1, 2025, stating her need to focus on her health and recovery. In her resignation letter, she expressed pride in her service and the community’s dedication to improving local governance. “Unfortunately, the demands of those roles are hindering my ability to heal,” she wrote, underscoring the human impact of the accident.

As this story develops, questions remain about the accountability of state agencies and the safety protocols in place for park volunteers. Observers are keen to see how this ruling might influence future policies regarding volunteer training and public safety measures across California’s state parks.

The ramifications of this verdict extend beyond Anthony’s personal journey, potentially reshaping the landscape of liability and safety within public spaces. As the public awaits further comments from California State Parks, the case serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of proper training and oversight in ensuring the safety of all park visitors.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.