Judge Orders Reconstruction of Young Woman’s Fatal Fall in El Hierro
A judge in El Hierro has ordered the reconstruction of the tragic death of 20-year-old Lía Dorta, who died in July 2022 after falling from a height of nearly six metres in Valverde. The incident occurred while she was on holiday with friends and resulted in her being airlifted to Gran Canaria’s Doctor Negrín Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
On the night of 24 July 2022, Lía was celebrating at a nightclub in Valverde, a municipality with a population of just over 5,000. Seeking privacy, she and a male friend wandered away from their group, crossing a low stone wall of about 55 centimetres before falling down a slope next to an access ramp to a private property. There was no safety barrier at the site, which was poorly lit and lacked signage.
Four years on, two legal processes are underway. A criminal case was reopened last May, and authorities are awaiting a reconstruction report from a specialised team of the Guardia Civil. Meanwhile, Lía’s family is pursuing compensation from Valverde Town Council, claiming the administration failed its duty to ensure public safety.
A document submitted to the court reveals that the local council had earlier planned to install a safety railing at the location but ultimately decided against it, believing the existing stone wall was sufficiently secure. “This was a death trap,” said Lía’s mother, Maite, pointing to the council’s decision to accept the access ramp without the intended safety measures.
The family’s legal representatives argue that the inadequate boundary walls do not serve as adequate safety barriers, calling the town council’s oversight in securing public spaces “gross” and “continuing.” They also highlight that just five months before Lía’s accident, another young man fell from the same spot and sustained serious injuries.
In light of recent evidence, a second judge reopened the criminal inquiry, recognising that conditions at the site contributed to the fatal accident. Reports indicate that a specific project for constructing the ramp lacked the necessary documentation and approvals, raising concerns about safety protocols at the site.
As the investigation continues, the Town Council of Valverde has refrained from commenting on the case, citing the ongoing judicial process. The family of Lía remains adamant that had proper safety measures been in place, her tragic accident could have been avoided.
