Parents Filed Wrongful Death Suit in Burlington Crash
The lawsuit follows a fatal collision that killed 16-year-old Shiloh Skalka at a Burlington intersection.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Accidents
The parents of 16-year-old Shiloh Skalka have initiated a wrongful death lawsuit against 80-year-old Douglas Knapp. The legal action stems from a July 2026 crash in Burlington where the teen was struck while riding an e-bike in a crosswalk.
Why it matters
The suit alleges that Knapp failed to maintain proper attention to the roadway, leading to the fatal incident. This civil filing coincides with ongoing criminal proceedings regarding the driver's conduct during the collision.
Douglas Knapp pleaded not guilty to a charge of negligent operation of a motor vehicle resulting in death in September 2026. The civil wrongful death lawsuit was subsequently filed in Chittenden County civil court in October 2026.
The players
Shiloh Skalka
The 16-year-old victim who died from multiple injuries following the collision.
Douglas Knapp
The 80-year-old driver currently facing criminal charges and a civil lawsuit.
The details
Police reports indicate the victim had activated the crossing signal and waited three seconds before entering the intersection of Pine and Locust streets. Investigators estimated the driver was traveling at 28 mph while the signal lights had been flashing for seven seconds.
Timeline
The crash occurred on July 16, 2026.
Douglas Knapp was arraigned on criminal charges in September 2026.
The parents filed the civil lawsuit in October 2026.
Legal Context
This case follows the precedent set by the 2023 Vermont Vulnerable User Law which increases liability for drivers involved in accidents with non-motorized road users. Recent legal actions in the region suggest a shift toward stricter criminal and civil accountability for traffic negligence.
Residents should remain aware of traffic safety signals at the intersection of Pine and Locust streets during their daily commutes. The ongoing legal process may influence local discussions regarding road safety measures and enforcement for drivers.
The takeaway
This tragedy underscores the critical importance of driver vigilance in school zones and residential intersections. Ensuring full compliance with posted speed limits and signaling remains a vital component of road safety for all commuters.
Further reading
Learn more about local traffic safety proceedings in the Burlington accidents section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by VTDigger.
