Settlement reached in 2002 Kennywood storm death

Kennywood Park and the contractor that built the pavilion which collapsed and killed a Monroeville woman nearly eight years ago settled a lawsuit for almost $2 million.

Stephanie Wilkerson, 29, died May 31, 2002, when a strong storm ripped through the West Mifflin amusement park. High winds toppled a pavilion housing The Whip ride. Wilkerson died when she was struck by the collapsing roof and pinned against a metal fence.

Wilkerson's parents sued Kennywood and contractor Landau Building Co. In 2007, a jury awarded Wilkerson's family $1.21 million in compensatory damages. A second trial was to be held to determine the liability of Kennywood and Landau along with punitive damages but the parties settled for $1.945 million last week, according to the family's attorney, Thomas Kline.

As part of the settlement other structures built by Landau at Kennywood must be inspected, Kline said.

"We are very pleased that we have reached a settlement. The 100 mph macroburst windstorm was a tragedy and we have worked diligently to reach an agreement that is acceptable with the family," Kennywood spokesman Jeff Filicko said in a statement. "We are looking forward to a great season this spring."