Demi Moore Settles Wrongful Death Lawsuit Over Tragic 2015 Pool Drowning

The shimmering waters of a Beverly Hills pool turned deadly in July 2015, claiming the life of 21-year-old Edenilson Steven Valle and thrusting actress Demi Moore into a protracted wrongful death lawsuit that exposed harrowing safety lapses. The tragedy unfolded during a gathering at Moore’s Los Angeles estate while the actress was abroad, culminating in a legal battle that questioned responsibility in celebrity homes.

What Safety Failures Led to the Fatal Pool Incident?

Valle attended a small party hosted by Moore’s staff at her Tree House Trust-owned property. Despite reportedly telling guests he couldn’t swim, he was found face-down in the deep end of the 9-10 foot pool after being missing for 15 minutes (People Magazine, August 2015). Law enforcement sources confirmed the absence of critical safety measures:

• No depth markers on the excessively deep pool
• Decorative rocks creating trip hazards around the perimeter
• Water temperature at a dangerous 101°F, potentially impairing cognition
• Inadequate lighting that hindered visibility

Moore expressed being “in absolute shock” upon learning of the “unthinkable tragedy” while traveling to celebrate her daughters’ birthdays. Her public statement emphasized compassion for Valle’s family but did not address the property’s conditions (People Magazine, August 2015).

How Did the Legal Battle Unfold and Resolve?

Valle’s parents, Jorge and Maria Valle, filed a wrongful death lawsuit in February 2017, initially targeting Moore’s property trust, house manager Lenny Hernandez, and personal assistant Bessy Wong. Court documents revealed Hernandez allegedly served alcohol despite knowing the unsafe environment. By May 2017, Moore was added as a defendant.

The lawsuit meticulously cataloged violations:

“Police photos showed abundant trip hazards from randomly placed rocks and severe lighting deficiencies,” stated the filing, arguing these conditions directly contributed to Valle’s drowning.

The Valleys sought over $25,000 in damages, citing emotional distress and funeral costs. After nearly a year of litigation, both parties reached a confidential settlement in January 2018. The case was formally dismissed, though terms remain undisclosed. Legal experts note such resolutions often include safety upgrades and financial compensation.

This heartbreaking case underscores a vital responsibility for property owners: Pools demand uncompromising safety protocols—clear depth markings, non-slip surfaces, proper lighting, and supervised access. Regular safety audits can prevent such tragedies.

Must Know

What happened at Demi Moore’s home in 2015?
Edenilson Steven Valle drowned in Moore’s Beverly Hills pool during a staff-hosted party. The 21-year-old was found after 15 minutes missing, despite reportedly stating he couldn’t swim. Moore was overseas during the incident.

Why was Demi Moore sued?
Valle’s parents filed a wrongful death lawsuit alleging hazardous conditions: excessive pool depth without markers, 101°F water temperatures, trip hazards from decorative rocks, poor lighting, and unsupervised alcohol service.

Who managed the property during the incident?
House manager Lenny Hernandez and personal assistant Bessy Wong hosted the gathering. The lawsuit claimed Hernandez served alcohol knowing the environment was unsafe.

Was Demi Moore found liable?
No court ruling occurred. Moore and the Valle family confidentially settled the lawsuit in January 2018, leading to the case’s dismissal. Settlement terms remain private.

How deep was Demi Moore’s pool?
Court documents described the pool as “excessively deep” at 9-10 feet with no visible depth indicators—a key factor in the safety allegations.

Do such cases change safety laws?
While not creating new statutes, high-profile incidents often prompt celebrities and luxury homeowners to implement stricter pool safety measures like professional lifeguards during events.