Grandfather of Toddler Who Fell from Cruise Ship Gets Probation

The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the sentencing

The man pleaded guilty to negligent homicide in 2021

The grandfather of an 18-month-old girl who fell out of a cruise ship window has been sentenced to three years of probation. Salvatore Anello pleaded guilty to negligent homicide in 2021 after his granddaughter, Chloe Wiegand, fell from the 11th-floor window of a Royal Caribbean cruise ship in July 2019. Anello was holding Chloe in his arms when she fell out of the window, which was open at the time. Chloe's parents have filed a lawsuit against Royal Caribbean, alleging that the company was negligent in not having the windows properly secured.

The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the sentencing on Tuesday, rejecting Anello's argument that he should have been acquitted because he did not intend to harm Chloe. The court found that Anello was negligent in holding Chloe so close to the open window and that he should have known that she could fall out.

Anello's sentencing is a reminder of the importance of being careful when around open windows, especially when children are present. It is also a reminder that cruise ship companies have a responsibility to ensure that their ships are safe for passengers.