Coaster Fatality Caused by Medical Condition
The fatality is the first for the Everest-themed coaster. However, there have been a number of deaths at the Walt Disney World resort, including a 12-year-old boy who passed away after riding the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster in 2006. Two guests, one in 2005 and one in 2006, died after riding Mission: Space. It's disconcerting to see the fatalities at the Florida resort, but it's important to point out that the four parks had over 45 million guests in 2006 according to industry estimates. The Magic Kingdom topped the worldwide park attendance charts last year, and Walt Disney World's other three parks occupied positions 6, 7, and 8. (Other Disney parks held the intervening positions.) Clearly, the sheer number of people entering the Florida resort's gates dwarfs any other park's attendance numbers, so the statistical chances for guest injuries and fatalities are considerably greater. Also, I wonder whether the Disney parks attract some visitors who wouldn't typically go to a seasonal amusement park such as those run by Six Flags. And I also wonder whether guests at a Disney park who wouldn't otherwise board a coaster or a thrill ride let their guards down. As with all parks, Disney posts warnings outside of its rides to caution guests with heart, back, neck, and other medical problems. As would appear to be the case with Mr. Reeb, many park ride injuries and fatalities are found to be caused by preexisting medical conditions. Often, the riders have undiagnosed problems and are unaware of their conditions.
While it's quite a delicate subject, I'd like to hear from you, park fans, about this topic. Do you think riders need to be more responsible? Should the federal government play a more active role in regulating fixed-site theme parks? Do ride accidents make you more anxious about boarding coasters? Click on the "Comments" link below to share your thoughts.
Comments
I never used to worry about it. The warnings posted outside the Disney coasters seemed about as relevant as the labels on hair dryers warning you not to plug in while in the bathtub. Yet, lately, so many young people have died from undiagnosed heart conditions (even marathon runners) that it gives me pause. I now have two young boys and do think about it like I never did before I was a father.
Do keep in mind that accidents, and especially fatalities, on thrill rides are extremely rare. But it’s like an airline disaster. They play into our worst fears and tend to get an inordinate amount of attention.
-Arthur
If an adult knowingly has medical problems and chooses to ride these breathtaking, heart pumping rides then the theme parks cannot be held accountable for such unfortunate incidents. However, Parents need to be responsible for their children, The theme parks I have visited have notices posted clearly on height limitations and health problems when approaching these thrill rides. Also the height restrictions are usually enforced quite well by the ride attendants at these parks.
I do strongly believe that certain rides should be restricted to 17 or 18 without an accompaning adult. We already have policies restricting minors from R rated movies and violent, colorful language filled video games. I just recently read an article on one of Disneys new attractions “A New Horror House”. No one under the age of 21 is allowed to enter. I am pleased to see Disney take the step in that direction and maybe revolutionize an existing very disciplined policy to protect minors into the thrill ride business.
Way To Go Disney! I hope we see more age restrictions placed on these heart pumping rides in the very near future.
dwilliams-
Thanks for writing. In general, I don’t think age would be a good factor to consider for ride restrictions. Most of the height requirements have to do with the onboard safety restraints. In some cases, guests above certain heights and weights are not allowed to ride either, because the restraint systems would not work. I’m unfamiliar with the Disney attraction to which you refer, nor do I know of any Disney park restricting rides to guests under the age of 21.
-Arthur
My mistake and I do apologize, the correct theme park is Universal Studios and the attraction is “Halloween Horror Nights”, however, I could not find an age restriction, The warning posted on the website is that it may be to intense for younger children. Of course as you stated in an earlier follow up that accidents at Theme Parks are rare. For those of you interested in more information on Theme Park accidents please visit http://www.themeparkinsider.com/accidents/list.cfm
What makes me wonder is, do these people KNOW about their medical conditions and if they get yearly check ups would problems like this be found? I do not think govt. should step in and “regulate” anything. The amusement buisness does this very well already.
I believe it is the total responsibility of the rider or the parent if the rider is young to make sure all issues are addressed as to ride behavior, medical condition, etc…
If it’s a mechanical problem than it is the park’s responsibility. I think TestSherpa made a good point. They said that most people, including themself at the time, took those warnings with a cavalier attitude. This speaks multitudes as the general public does not pay attention to signage ANY place so these things will continue as long as people decide to stay stupid.
As for myself I can’t think of a better way to go then on a roller coaster.