A family is requesting $10.5 million from Rochester for the drowning at Highland Park Reservoir

Rochester, New York – The family of Abdullahi Muya has filed a lawsuit against the City of Rochester, requesting $10.5 million in federal court. In March, Muya’s body was discovered in the Highland Park reservoir, almost a month after he was reported missing.

Langston McFadden and Radhika Shukla are representing Muya’s family in a newly filed lawsuit that details four allegations against the city.

“McFadden stated that they continue to struggle significantly with this loss.” “The loss of a beloved son, brother, and provider is unimaginable, especially when it comes with so many unanswered questions surrounding his passing.”

The lawsuit claims that the city acted negligently, leading to Muya’s wrongful death, by not adequately maintaining the Highland Park reservoir property and infringing upon Muya’s civil rights.

Surveillance footage from February 24 reportedly shows Muya entering the reservoir and struggling for two minutes before ultimately drowning.

“What measures were taken to find a vulnerable individual with mental disabilities?” questioned McFadden. “What led to his presence in the water reservoir, an area known for its security and monitoring?”

A lawsuit claims that the city did not adhere to a 2005 EPA regulation that established standards for safeguarding open drinking water reservoirs. The lawsuit claims that the City of Rochester chose to legally file for multiple years of extensions instead.

Shukla, co-counsel in the lawsuit, stated, “The water reservoirs were left uncovered.” “It appears that the city’s intention was to maintain the visual appeal of the water reservoirs.”

In April, the city announced that it had reached an agreement with a company to assist in bringing the reservoir into compliance. The options being considered include covering the reservoir, implementing ultraviolet light disinfection, or opting for decommissioning.
During a board meeting in October, a city spokesperson stated that a decision has yet to be reached.

“Nonetheless, it is clear that if the city had chosen any one or two of the three available options—be it abandoning the reservoir or covering it like they did with the Rush reservoir—Mr. Muya would still be with his family today,” McFadden contended.