Family releases new information detailing serious injuries along with new footage of first-hand account of collision.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30, 2024
CONTACT: Max Szabo | (415) 828-6158
SAN FRANCISCO – Today, the family of Millicent “Mia” DeGuzman, the 17-year-old who was seriously injured when a Navy parachutist missed the landing zone and landed on top of her, released new details of her injuries. The family also released first-person footage of the seconds preceding the collision portraying the confusion as to where the parachutist was going to land. The new footage accompanies dozens of additional videos from other spectators documenting the incident.
“This was my first airshow and I had no idea I was in danger,” said Mia DeGuzman. “I immigrated to the United States just two days before the show and was so excited to explore the city with my family. Now I can’t move without their help and doctors say I may never be able to do the things I once could. Beyond the physical pain, the emotional trauma is overwhelming—what was supposed to be a joyful start to a new life here has turned into a nightmare I relive every day.”
The incident occurred during the San Francisco Fleet Week air show at the Marina Green along Marina Boulevard and led to major injuries to 17-yearold Mia and her mother, Jhoanna. Mia went to the hospital where she was treated for two fractures to her pelvis. The injury required a surgery in which large screws were inserted to hold her damaged pelvis together. Additionally, Mia’s mother, Jhoanna was diagnosed with a concussion and had bruising in her upper arm.
“There is no doubt that this is not what this parachutist or the Navy wanted to happen, but regrettably a young woman was injured and was left with a mountain of medical bills,” said Tanya Gomerman, the DeGuzmans’ attorney. “She faces a long, difficult recovery and is unable to
handle even the most basic tasks without support from her family. It’s a tragic incident that raises questions about safety protocols and accountability at events involving such high-risk displays.”
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Gomerman|Bourn and Associates specializes in employment law and personal injury cases. Since opening its doors in 2012, they have recovered well over $100 million for their clients. To learn more about Gomerman|Bourn and Associates, visit www.gobolaw.com
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