Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Crime, Law and Justice
Hannah Yang
Mankato, Minn.

Family of MSU Mankato student killed in landslide at Minneopa State Park sues DNR

A waterfall surrounded by trees
Minneopa Falls at Minneopa State Park near Mankato, as seen after heavy rain sent water levels higher.
Andrew Krueger | MPR News 2023

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

The family of Jack Loso, the Minnesota State University, Mankato student who died in a landslide at Minneopa State Park in December 2023, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 

Joe Heegaard of Storms Dworak LLC, one of the attorneys representing the Loso family, filed the lawsuit last week. He said the family is seeking compensation from the DNR for the “severe emotional distress,” caused to Jack’s sister and cousin, according to the complaint. 

“We’re optimistic that we can find a just and speedy resolution that’s agreeable to all the parties,” Heegaard said.

Jack Loso was 19 when he died on Dec. 2, 2023. According to the complaint he visited the lower falls with two family members and followed marked paths and signs.

While on the trail a landslide crushed Loso, leaving his body buried under the debris. 

The lawsuit alleges the DNR made a trail leading people to a known hazardous area where the geology was susceptible to landslides, and put up signs encouraging them to use the trail. There were no warnings about the dangers of that area. 

Heegaard added the state agency has documented past rockslides at the lower falls.

“So in establishing these artificial features, which led Jack to this area, that’s where the liability attaches because people should be able to trust that when they go into nature the state isn’t going to be leading them into harm’s way,”  he said.

The Minnesota DNR declined to comment because of the pending litigation but issued a short statement, “Our thoughts and condolences continue to be with the family and loved ones of Jack Loso following this tragic loss.”

Typically, parties have 21 days within filing to respond to the civil suit.