Can a Life Insurance Claim Be Denied After a Vacation Accident? One Cliff Diving Case Says a Lot
Most people don’t think twice about how their vacation plans could impact their life insurance coverage. Whether it's hiking a volcano, scuba diving with sea turtles, or cliff diving off the coast of Kauai, it’s easy to assume that an accidental death while on vacation will be covered under a life insurance policy. Unfortunately, that assumption can be dangerously incorrect.
Insurance companies have a long track record of denying life insurance claims after fatal accidents—especially when those accidents involve what insurers call “inherently dangerous activities.” But what exactly qualifies as too dangerous for coverage? And can a company really claim something was suicide just to avoid paying? One case involving a young lawyer’s tragic death in Hawaii shows just how far insurers will go to deny a legitimate claim—and how quickly they back down when challenged by the right legal team.
The Tragic Death of a Young Attorney on Vacation
Kristin was a successful young lawyer who worked long hours and rarely took time off. When she finally had a chance to unwind, her destination of choice was always Hawaii. She loved the outdoors, especially adventurous activities like bungee jumping, rock climbing, and water sports. On one particular trip, she brought along her new boyfriend, Tom, who shared her thrill-seeking spirit. This time, they were both excited to try something Kristin had dreamed of for years: cliff diving.
They chose a popular cliff-jumping location on the island of Kauai, known for drawing tourists and locals alike. Dozens of people were already diving when they arrived, and both Kristin and Tom completed several jumps with ease and excitement. Unfortunately, on Kristin’s fourth attempt, she lost her footing on the cliff’s edge. Instead of leaping away from the rock face, she slipped downward, hitting the cliffside multiple times before crashing into the water below.
Kristin was pulled from the ocean unconscious. Despite being rushed to the hospital, she never regained consciousness. Her injuries proved fatal.
A Second Heartbreak: The Life Insurance Denial
In the aftermath of Kristin’s death, her mother, Margaret, was devastated. Kristin had named her as the sole beneficiary on a life insurance policy provided through her law firm—a policy intended to give her mother financial security. Though still grieving, Margaret gathered the necessary documentation and submitted the claim, trusting the insurance company to honor its commitment.
A few weeks later, Margaret received a letter that only compounded her grief. The insurance company denied the claim, stating that Kristin’s death was the result of “suicide.” Margaret was stunned. No one—not the hospital staff, the police, or any of the dozens of witnesses—had ever mentioned suicide. Kristin had been enjoying herself just moments before the accident. She was smiling, laughing, and diving into the ocean alongside others.
Refusing to accept this twisted interpretation of events, Margaret reviewed the police reports. They told a clear story: Kristin’s death was accidental, the result of a misstep, not an intentional act. Multiple witness statements reinforced this, and there was absolutely no suggestion of suicidal intent.
Why Insurance Companies Make Outrageous Denial Claims
Sadly, Margaret’s experience is not unique. Life insurance companies are profit-driven corporations. Every claim they avoid paying boosts their bottom line. To this end, they sometimes rely on obscure policy clauses or far-fetched interpretations of events to justify a denial. In cases like Kristin’s, the argument often hinges on whether the activity was “inherently dangerous,” or worse, if it can be twisted into a form of self-harm or suicide.
This is especially common with accidental deaths that occur during activities like cliff diving, BASE jumping, or other extreme sports. But there's a key legal distinction: if a person dies doing something legal, socially accepted, and intended for enjoyment—with no evidence of suicidal thoughts—it’s extremely difficult for an insurer to justify a suicide exclusion.
How One Attorney Got the Claim Paid in Full
Fortunately, Margaret contacted a life insurance attorney who specialized in contesting wrongful denials. The lawyer immediately recognized the denial as a baseless attempt to avoid paying a legitimate claim. He reviewed the reports, gathered travel brochures showing the popularity of the cliff diving location, and emphasized the clear lack of evidence for suicide.
Within hours of contacting the insurance company’s in-house counsel and sending over supporting documentation, the attorney made it clear: either pay the claim promptly or face a lawsuit. Just days later, the company reversed its decision and paid Margaret the full policy benefit.
What This Case Tells Us About Insurance Denials
Kristin’s case is a powerful example of how insurers can and do exploit beneficiaries during emotionally vulnerable times. They rely on beneficiaries not having legal knowledge or resources. But just because a claim is denied does not mean it's final.
Common reasons insurers deny vacation-related deaths include:
Alleged participation in “hazardous activities” such as cliff diving or skydiving
Misapplication of suicide exclusions without any factual support
Failure to investigate the full circumstances surrounding an accidental death
Assumption of risk clauses that insurers interpret broadly to cover nearly any physical activity
If you're facing a denial like this, it’s critical to seek immediate legal assistance. Many denials can be reversed with proper documentation, pressure, and an understanding of insurance law.
Don’t Face a Life Insurance Denial Alone
Losing a loved one is hard enough without also being denied the life insurance benefits they intended to provide. If you've received a denial letter citing suicide or “hazardous activity” when none existed, let our attorneys review your case. We specialize in contesting and overturning these denials, and we don’t charge a fee unless we win.
Contact our firm today for a free consultation. We’re here to fight for you—because no one should have to suffer twice.