Lawsuit Over Fatal Washington Goat Attack Dismissed

A judge has dismissed a widow’s lawsuit against the federal government over her husband’s death in a mountain goat attack at Olympic National Park in Washington two years ago.

U.S. District Judge Robert Bryan had earlier dismissed most of Susan Chadd’s claims over the summer, then in late October he declined to reconsider.

Robert Boardman was trying to protect Chadd and a friend when the 370-pound billy goat gored him, severing arteries in his thigh. The goat is believed to have been one that harassed park visitors for years.

Chadd accused the government of negligence in its management of the goat. She also alleged that the park botched the rescue effort.

The judge said the government’s actions are immune from lawsuits under the Federal Tort Claims Act because they involved an exercise of discretion related to public policy.