Good comments Sycamore... I agree.
This incident was indeed, unfortunate, but trying to place the blame elsewhere and suggest legal action is so typical of today's society. People really need to take responsibiltiy for their own decisions and choices, good or bad. Suggesting that Mike Castro, the boyfriend, or the USFS or BLM is responsible is.... irresponsible.
Stuff happens... why does blame have to be assessed?
Paying a fee and parking at Bowen Ranch does not guarantee a person's safety or even bind them to visit the Hot Springs. Patrons of the toll fee could just camp at the ranch or hike elsewhere, not even down to the Springs. It's just a parking place. And do we even know for sure that the couple actually paid and parked there?
If they had bought the $10 Adventure Parking Pass, and parked on FS land, would we then try to pin the blame on the USFS?
Sorry... but this whole "somebody owes me or somebody else is to blame", entitlement mentality is a sensitive subject with me right now...