Boy dies on RNR 6/29/06

AKLRULZ · Post by **AKLRULZ** » Jun Thu 29, 2006 1:54 pm

Terrible tragedy today.

A 12-year-old boy died today after riding the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at Disney-MGM Studios theme park, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

The boy was declared dead en route to an Celebration Hospital. The rescue call came in this morning about 11:30 a.m.

According to state records reviewed by the Orlando Sentinel, this would be the seventh person to die at a Disney attraction since the Christmas season of 2004.

Disney said, "We have closed the attraction pending an investigation. An initial review of the attraction shows the ride was operating normally. We have notified Orange County law enforcement. The state Bureau of Fair Rides Inspection has also been notified and will observe the inspection and review of the attraction."

The coaster, known for its fast start and pulsating Aerosmith soundtrack, is the second-fastest ride at Disney, with a top speed of 57 mph. According to the Disney Web site, "This attraction pulls between 4 and 5 big, fat, monster Gs. Space shuttle astronauts, by comparison, experience 3 Gs at liftoff.''

The indoor ride, which opened in 1999, catapults people from zero-to-60 mph in 2.8 seconds, then takes them through a make-believe night in Southern California in a 24-passenger stretch limo. The ride climbs to 85 feet and goes by Hollywood landmarks on its way through five inversions.

It has the tallest height requirement in Disney's four parks -- tied with Animal Kingdom Primeval Whirl. (There is a 52 inch height requirement to drive at the Magic Kingdom's Indy Speedway, but you can be any height on that to be a passenger.

The fastest ride at Disney is Epcot's Test Track, which can reach a speed of 65 mph.

LINK

AKLRULZ · Post by **AKLRULZ** » Jun Thu 29, 2006 2:07 pm

Here is the release from Disney:

A 12-year-old male Guest was transported by ambulance to Celebration Hospital today at approximately 11:30 after riding Rock 'N' Roller Coaster. We subsequently learned that he passed away.

We offer the family our deepest sympathies. A company representative is with them providing assistance.

We have closed the attraction pending an investigation. An initial review of the attraction shows the ride was operating normally. We have notified Orange County law enforcement. The state Bureau of Fair Rides Inspection has also been notified and will observe the inspection and review of the attraction.

knedeau · Post by **knedeau** » Jun Thu 29, 2006 2:16 pm

So Sad! I think these things happen at EVERY theme park... But Disney, being in the public eye so much, gets ALLLLLLL the publicty from it.

foldmama · Post by **foldmama** » Jun Thu 29, 2006 2:23 pm

So sad, I just saw an email from CNN Breaking News regarding the death.

bribren · Post by **bribren** » Jun Thu 29, 2006 2:53 pm

If you have millions of visitors, the numbers bear out that there will be deaths at some point. Whenever I hear of this I hope the family has the best support and understanding. I also feel that there are unfortunate lawyers around who turn this and other tragedies into a chance for profit.

disneydreamer58 · Post by **disneydreamer58** » Jun Thu 29, 2006 3:05 pm

Things like this are always tragic to hear about. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the boy.

jrcohen · Post by **jrcohen** » Jun Thu 29, 2006 3:55 pm

I feel for the family, my thoughts and prayers to them. But my first thought when I heard was, "is there a reason we hear about this at disney, what seems like almost too often now, but I never hear about deaths at other theme parks anymore?"

Post by **horizons1** » Jun Thu 29, 2006 3:57 pm

This has got to be another undiagnosed condition. That ride is not very abusive.

jrcohen · Post by **jrcohen** » Jun Thu 29, 2006 4:07 pm

horizons1 wrote:This has got to be another undiagnosed condition. That ride is not very abusive.

I thought so too. I'm sure most of us think that. I know I love the RRC, but compared with most costers out there today, it's definately not one of the hardest core coasters. Not very abusive at all, as a matter of fact, probably less abusive then most wooden coasters out there.

Mr.ToadWildRider · Post by **Mr.ToadWildRider** » Jun Thu 29, 2006 4:38 pm

I feel so bad for the boy and the family

This may seem a little heartless given the circumstances but does anyone know how long these investigations usually take before a ride is re-opened? I'm going to be at the Studios on the 4th and I was really looking forward to going on RnR. I'd much rather it be thoroughly inspected before re-opening than having them re-open it too soon, but I was just wondering if there's any chance it may be open for our trip?

Post by **horizons1** » Jun Thu 29, 2006 6:08 pm

Mr.ToadWildRider wrote:I feel so bad for the boy and the family

This may seem a little heartless given the circumstances but does anyone know how long these investigations usually take before a ride is re-opened? I'm going to be at the Studios on the 4th and I was really looking forward to going on RnR. I'd much rather it be thoroughly inspected before re-opening than having them re-open it too soon, but I was just wondering if there's any chance it may be open for our trip?

I don't think that's heartless. It's a legitimate question.

Fantasrick · Post by **Fantasrick** » Jun Thu 29, 2006 6:28 pm

I feel the most sorry for the boy's family. What a terrible loss.

GoofyInOhio · Post by **GoofyInOhio** » Jun Thu 29, 2006 6:43 pm

I feel for the family. I can't imagine losing a child at such a young age.

Gizmata · Post by **Gizmata** » Jun Thu 29, 2006 7:43 pm

I found the 911 audio earlier:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business ... mailedlink

http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.d ... S/60629021

Having been in the job of dispatching medical response for two summers I see some flaws with how things happened. I think the audio shows the confusion that happens in such a situation. If anything comes out of this it may be the automatic defibrulators being added to all the attractions. Unfortunately I think those require training to operate so there still will be the delay until someone competent shows up, but it puts the tools closer to the need.

I hate to sound uncaring, but is our care bear attitude towards children letting these biological problems go unknown for so long because we don't let Darwin take a crack at them earlier? I know that assumes, like with the kid on Mission Space, he had a problem. What if this kid had not gone on rides because his parents were worried it might hurt him and instead when he was 20 and a truck driver had his "moment" and taken others with him? In this country we seem to want everyone to live forever and nothing bad to happen, unfortunately thats not reality.

I just wish the media would stop beating down Disney parks to sell their papers. :\

ericpabear · Post by **ericpabear** » Jun Thu 29, 2006 8:45 pm

Lots of people go most of there lives not knowing they have a medical condition. There are a few athletes that just drop dead while playing thier game. But to have your child die at the happiest place on earth with you and your family watching the precious life of this child leaving it's body. How horrifying! My prayers go out to them.