Interior IG launches probe of alleged cover-up in child death case

Years after a child was killed by a poorly-maintained wall in Lassen Volcanic National Park, the Department of the Interior inspector general is investigating allegations of a cover-up by government officials.

Darlene Koontz, Lassen’s superintendent since 2007, retired in October just weeks after the IG began its probe.

Nine-year-old Tommy Botell was killed in 2009 while hiking with his family after the retaining wall on which he and his sister were sitting collapsed and crushed them. His 13-year-old sister sustained serious facial fractures but survived.

Steve Campora, the family’s lawyer, said the Botells had visited the park to celebrate the birthday of Tommy’s father.

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