The family of a woman who died after a tragic accident on monkey bars in Surrey is taking legal action against the city. Jiong Qing Deng passed away two days after hitting her head while exercising at Crescent Park in June 2023. Her husband, Ben Lin Zeng, and daughter, Leanne April Zeng, have filed nearly identical lawsuits in B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver, claiming negligence on the part of the city.

According to the lawsuits, Deng was using the monkey bars when she slipped, fell, and struck her head on a rung. She succumbed to her injuries in the hospital two days later. The lawsuits assert that the outdoor fitness facility was not properly maintained, which contributed to the incident.

The legal documents detail that the exercise circuits, particularly the monkey bars, were in a “state of disrepair.” They noted issues such as peeling paint, overgrown trees and shrubs, and uneven ground surrounding the equipment. The plaintiffs argue that the city had a legal obligation to keep the premises safe for public use, including ensuring that the monkey bars were free from hazards.

The lawsuits allege that the city failed to inspect the equipment for dangers, provide adequate lighting, and warn users of existing hazards. “The incident was caused or contributed to by the negligence and breach” of the city’s duty, the lawsuits state.

As a result of the alleged negligence, both Zeng and Leanne April Zeng claim they have suffered significant emotional and financial losses. They are seeking unspecified damages for loss of support, care, and companionship. Additionally, they are claiming damages for anxiety, nervous shock, and various physical and mental health issues, including headaches and insomnia.

Leanne, who resides in China, has stated that the injuries have led to a loss of enjoyment in life and permanent physical disability. The lawsuits highlight the profound impact of the incident on their lives, asserting that they have been deprived of the love and support they would have otherwise enjoyed.

Messages left with the plaintiffs’ lawyer and the city of Surrey have not been returned. It is important to note that none of the allegations has been proven in court.