Facing Suit, Punkin Chunkin Canceled

Thanks to a federal lawsuit filed by a woman who was injured at last year’s World Championship Punkin Chunkin, gourds won’t be flying through the air in Bridgeville, Del., this year.

The event, which began in 1986, was supposed to take place Nov. 3-5 at Wheatley Farms. The championship involves competitors using homemade contraptions to launch pumpkins as far as 4,000-plus feet.

Organizers announced Aug. 23 that this year’s edition is canceled, with an announcement on its website explaining that the landowners “are reluctant to host our 2017 event in light of the lawsuit.”

Kyle Grantham / The Wilmington News-Journal via AP – Punkin Chunkin 2016
Paramedics assist Suzanne Dakessian, who was injured at the World Championship Punkin Chunkin on Nov. 6, 2016, after an air cannon used to launch pumpkins exploded. The 2017 event has been canceled, following a lawsuit filed by Dakessian.

Suzanne Dakessian claims she suffered catastrophic and permanent injuries after she was struck by a heavy metal plate that was dislodged from an air cannon, along with other debris. She underwent emergency surgery to remove part of her skull because of brain swelling, according to a press release from trial frim Seeger Weiss LLP. Her reported injuries include “irreversible brain damage, a fractured skull, more than 10 other fractures of the head and face, blindness in her right eye and serious injury to her left upper extremity resulting in significant loss of its use.”

Dakessian was at last year’s festival as a producer with Sharp Entertainment, which was working on a television special for Discovery’s Science Channel.

The lawsuit accuses World Championship Punkin’ Chunkin’ Inc., Wheatley Farms Inc., Discovery Communications, The State of Delaware and other defendants of negligence, gross negligence and wrongful conduct.

“With less than 74 days until our event, we are left with no options,” Punkin Chunkin posted in a statement on its website. “It is with our deepest regrets that we announce that 2017 Punkin Chunkin is canceled and with it, the economic impact that Delaware receives, the funds that we generate to help fund other non-profits and the scholarships for deserving youth. Refunds will be issued within the week.

“It is unfortunate that Suzanne Dakessian was injured, and we continue to extend our best wishes to her, her family and her loved ones. We have no further comment at this time.”