Diem Le Nguyen is described by family as being devoted to her friends, family, and causes. Sadly, Nguyen lost her life during a hike-for-a-cause in 2024 on Black Mountain in Rancho Penasquitos. “It’s really sad, losing someone,” said family member William Do during an interview after her death. “All the memories you have, it’s really hard.” Do filed suit against the “Build A School Foundation.” Among other claims, the suit accuses the foundation of wrongful death and negligence in ignoring the heat dangers of the day and not getting the proper permitting. “I’m on the board for VAYA and we host one of the largest Lunar New Year festivals in San Diego,” explained Tri Luu. As the attorney for the family, he says that board experience and his legal expertise have shown him permitting is critical to safety. “The city will sometimes require you to have certain insurance obligations. They will sometimes have a ranger on call. They will have or require certain safety precautions,” Luu said. So for our festival, the city comes back to us and says, we require paramedics on standby. Fifty-year-old Nguyen was found dead a day after the June 23, 2024 morning hike that happened during the start of San Diego’s first heat wave of that summer. Related stories Death and dying Jul 11, 2024 Organizer of Black Mountain hike that woman died on didn't have proper permit: San Diego Rancho Penasquitos Jun 24, 2024 Family reveals details on Black Mountain hiker presumed dead, Diem Le Nguyen Investigators say Nguyen called her sister around 10 a.m. complaining about heat and the need for water. Organizer Jimmy Thai said the roughly 150 hikers were outfitted with black T-shirts. They were also provided with plenty of water and snacks and the trail was marked with chalk. But Nguyen’s body was found a day after the hike on a totally different trail. “They didn’t have any safety precautions or safety measures in place,” said Attorney Luu. They didn’t have any kind of formal tracking or partner system. In fact, based on the information we’ve seen so far, they were handing out black T-shirts on one of the hottest days of the year.” Nguyen’s three children have been left to mourn her loss. They’re hoping the suit will provide justice that sends a message to others. “If you’re going to start hosting events that can require some safety precautions, do it the right way. Have insurance, make sure you’re following the law,” said Luu. Attorney Luu says in addition to negligence, another reason the family filed suit is because they believe the organizer of the hike put together an unauthorized vigil in their mother’s honor to promote his foundation. NBC San Diego reached out to the foundation for comment but have not heard back. ...read more read less