Kennywood Park and the contractor that built the pavilion over the amusement park ride known as The Whip that collapsed during a storm seven years ago settled a lawsuit last week for nearly $2 million on the eve of trial.

The suit was brought by the family of Stephanie Wilkerson, 29, of Monroeville, who was killed on May 31, 2002, when a macroburst brought winds of up to 100 mph to the region, pulling the roof off the pavilion housing the historic Whip in the park's Lost Kennywood area.

Ms. Wilkerson's parents filed the lawsuit against Kennywood and Landau Building Co., claiming that shoddy construction, negligence and recklessness were the cause of their daughter's death.

During a bifurcated trial, a jury in July 2007 awarded the family $1.2 million in compensatory damages. A trial on liability and punitive damages was supposed to begin today. However, the parties settled last week for a total sum of $1.945 million.

In addition, said Thomas R. Kline, the Wilkersons' attorney, Kennywood has agreed to have all eight structures built by Landau inspected before the start of this year's season.

"The public deserves to know what happened, and the public deserves to know it's going to be safe," he said.

In a written statement, Kennywood officials said they were pleased to have reached a settlement.

"The 100 mph macroburst windstorm was a tragedy, and we have worked diligently to reach an agreement that is acceptable with the family."

Landau officials declined comment.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

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