Parents Sue Burlington Artist Over Teen E-Bike Rider's Death

Christian Skalka and Susan Skalka have sued Burlington folk artist Douglas Knapp in Chittenden County civil court over the death of their 16-year-old daughter, Shiloh Skalka, who was killed in July 2026 while riding an e-bike, VTDigger reported. The suit was filed in early October 2026.

Knapp, 80, works under the name dug Nap and is widely known in Burlington for his artwork. Prosecutors have charged him with a misdemeanor count accusing him of operating a vehicle negligently and causing Shiloh's death. He entered a not guilty plea at an arraignment roughly a month before the civil filing, according to VTDigger.

Shiloh was crossing in a marked crosswalk with its warning lights activated when she was struck, VTDigger reported. She was about to begin her junior year at Burlington High School.

Her father described her as attentive to the feelings of those around her, including her twin brother, and said she was a strong student drawn to history and art. "She loved to ride her bike," he said, adding that she also enjoyed hiking, skiing, horseback riding and animals.

This story was first reported by VTDigger.