[Modernman]

But anyone who thinks an 18 year old (the vast majority, anyway) is a mature adult, well, you are really taking silly pills.

It's more of a legal question. I don't think this chaperone will have any liability for this girl's death. In fact, there was very little this woman could have legally done to prevent the 18-year old from doing whatever she wanted. The law draws a bright line- at 18, you're free to do pretty much anything you want.

[cherry]

" I don't think this chaperone will have any liability for this girl's death. "

It could be argued that the chaperone was a paid employee who was in charge of HIGH SCHOOL students.....it won't be the age...it will be the status of HS student that will be the ruin for this "chaperone" and whoever she was employed by.....

[jocon307]

"It's more of a legal question. I don't think this chaperone will have any liability for this girl's death. In fact, there was very little this woman could have legally done to prevent the 18-year old from doing whatever she wanted. The law draws a bright line- at 18, you're free to do pretty much anything you want."

Well, legally re: the chaperone you are likely correct. However, I'm not sure the school or organization is off the hook. It is usual for events like this, esp. ones that require travel, to be controlled by some kind of "permission slip". I've signed plenty that designate the although some participants maybe over the age of majority, they are not exempted from the restrictions imposed on the other participants.

No good to sue anyway.