LV firm sued over tourist's death

A Las Vegas trail ride company has been targeted in a state lawsuit over the death of a rider in 1998.

The suit in Clark County District Court alleges that negligence by Cowboy Trail Rides Inc. led to the death of Robert Maruszczak of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., on June 8, 1998.

The suit says Maruszczak and his wife, Mary, went on a trail ride with Cowboy Trail Rides in Red Rock Canyon on June 1, 1998. The lawsuit claims that Maruszczak's horse, owned by the company, began acting up, stepped into a hole on the trail, and tumbled down the hill, crushing Maruszczak. Maruszcsak died of his injuries eight days later, the suit says.

The plaintiffs allege the accident was the result of negligence in properly training the horse, failure to give trail guides proper training and failure to properly inspect the trail.

Maruszczak's wife, his daughter and his estate are seeking repayment of medical fees and damages for lost financial and emotional support.

John Matonovich, president of Cowboy Trail Rides, said he hadn't seen the lawsuit and could not comment on its allegations.

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