Son Sues Trump Hotel After Mom's Fatal Ejection
A Bay Area family is suing Trump® International Hotel Las Vegas, claiming a malfunctioning revolving door caused a 78-year-old woman's violent fall — and eventually, her death.
A Vacation That Ended in Tragedy
Diana Truschke traveled to Las Vegas to visit her sister in March 2023. During her stay at the Trump International Hotel, her family says a malfunction at the main entrance changed everything. As she tried to exit through the revolving door, it allegedly "sped up and struck Ms. Truschke from behind," according to the complaint filed in Clark County, per Fox KTVU. "As a result, Ms. Truschke was violently ejected from the revolving door, causing her to be thrown several feet, ultimately falling to the sidewalk on her face."
She was hospitalized at University Medical Center and reportedly never made it home. After months of declining health, Truschke died on Oct. 14, 2024.
Family Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Truschke's son, John Truschke of Daly City, filed a wrongful death suit on behalf of her estate. He is seeking damages over $15,000 for her "pain, suffering, loss of earning potential, and other damage during her lifetime," USA Today reports. The suit alleges the revolving door did not meet safety standards and that hotel staff either knew — or should have known — it was unsafe.
"Before she fell and was injured, Ms. Truschke was in reasonably good health and had a good prognosis," the complaint reads. "But for (Trump International Hotel Las Vegas') negligence, Ms. Truschke would have remained able-bodied, and physically capable of engaging in all activities for which she was otherwise suited," according to USA Today.
'A Cascading Deterioration'
Joel Hengstler, the family's attorney, said the fall caused a serious head injury and a "cascading deterioration that resulted in her ultimate death," as reported by Fox KTVU. He confirmed Truschke remained in Las Vegas for treatment and was never able to return home.
The family also accuses the hotel of "willful, oppressive, malicious" conduct and failing to properly monitor or repair the revolving door, Fox KTVU reports. No court dates have been set yet, and Trump International Hotel Las Vegas has not responded to requests for comment.
This lawsuit marks the beginning of what could be a long legal battle over accountability and safety standards. For the Truschke family, it's about more than money — it's about justice for a mother they say should still be alive.
References: Las Vegas Trump hotel's revolving door 'violently ejected,' killed California woman: Lawsuit | Bay Area woman dies after being 'violently ejected' from Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, lawsuit says
