Family of Man Who Fell to His Death at Emerald Queen Casino Consults Attorney
Posted on: January 10, 2026, 07:33h.
Last updated on: January 10, 2026, 07:34h.
- A man accidentally fell to his death at the Emerald Queen Casino on Dec. 20
- An attorney representing the man’s family is seeking changes inside the tribal casino
- The family claims they are not seeking legal action at this juncture
The family of a man who accidentally fell to his death at the Emerald Queen Casino just days before Christmas is meeting with an attorney to determine their next steps.
Law enforcement ruled the death of Evan Potifara, 37, on the night of Saturday, Dec. 20, an accident. An investigation concluded that Potifara accidentally fell through a glass partition and landed several stories below in the casino’s lobby. The accident occurred near the escalators that bring guests up to the casino floor.
As reported by KING 5 News, Potifara’s family has met with an attorney. They claim at this juncture they aren’t pursuing legal action against the tribal casino that’s owned and operated by the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, but are “in dialogue.”
Their attorney tells the local NBC affiliate that change is needed at the tribal casino.
Safety Shortcomings
Potifara’s family is working with attorney James Bible and the Bible Law Group, which claims to have secured more than $40 million in legal settlements. The attorney is based in Bellevue, WA.
“James Bible’s unwavering representation and ability to secure substantial settlements have greatly benefited the community, holding wrongdoers accountable and bringing about positive change,” Bible’s website states.
In an interview with KING 5, Bible says the casino failed to adequately protect guests by installing glass partitions that were susceptible to breaking.
You could expect a human being to lean up against a wall or glass, whatever it might be. What we don’t expect is that it crashes through,” Bible said.
“We imagine what the terror must have been like for Evan and the people who were trying to save his life,” Bible added.
Potifara did not die instantly. After the fall, he was heard crying on the lobby floor, as first responders tried to help. Moments later, however, he was pronounced dead.
Casino Tribute
Along with requesting that the Emerald Queen Casino undergo renovations to increase the safety and integrity of the glass partitions surrounding the casino floor, Bible says the family is seeking to have the lobby area named after Evan Potifara.
“I think that could be a really good idea… at least naming a portion of the area after him with a picture and an understanding of what happened,” Bible said.
For now, Bible says the family is not seeking legal action. Bible says that could change if the Puyallup Tribal Council doesn’t agree to meet with the family and understand their concerns.
The tribe has not yet commented on the tragic death or the family’s meeting with James Bible.
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