Utah Man Who Topples Rock Faces Questions Over Lawsuit
A Utah Boy Scout leader whose toppling of an ancient rock formation in a state park was captured in a viral online video is facing questions over a personal injury lawsuit he filed a month before the incident.
Glenn Taylor of Highland sued Alan MacDonald in September, claiming his daughter caused a 2009 car crash that left him with debilitating injuries.
MacDonald told KTVX-TV that he questions whether Taylor’s back injuries were as serious as claimed after watching him in the video.
In the video shot by fellow Scout leader Dave Hall, Taylor pushes a large boulder from its delicate perch, sending it tumbling down a small embankment as the men cheer, high-five and dance.
“In the video, I see a big strong guy who steps up to a 2,000-pound rock and dislodges it, and I just think to myself, ‘that guy doesn’t have a bad back,”‘ MacDonald said.
Taylor’s attorney, Mark Stubbs, told KUTV-TV that the video may not play well to a jury, but it’s only one piece of a larger case. He said just because his client is beginning to recover from his back injuries does not mean he hasn’t suffered past pain.
Taylor’s medical bills stemming from the accident could continue for years, Stubbs added. According to his suit, Taylor has incurred some $5,000 in medical-related expenses.
The complaint alleges MacDonald’s daughter rear-ended several cars – including Taylor’s – causing him to “endure great pain and suffering, disability, impairment and loss of joy of life.”
Taylor and Hall face possible charges over the Oct. 11 toppling of the rock formation in central Utah’s Goblin Valley State Park.
They insist they took the action because they believed the balanced rock was about to fall and could hurt their Scouts and other park visitors.
Taylor has said he regrets his actions and agrees “there’s a better way to treat the outdoors.”
The Boy Scouts of America has branded the Scout leaders’ action as “reprehensible” said it would take “appropriate action” after a review of the matter.