Originally Posted By Darkbeer <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/orl-bk-disney06292006" target="_blank">http://www.chicagotribune.com/ news/nationworld/orl-bk-disney06292006</a>,1,7580469.story?coll=chi-news-hed >>A 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, who was reported to be either 7 or 12 by authorities, was declared dead en route to an area hospital. The rescue call came in this morning about 11:20 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. 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 catapults people from zero-to-60 mph in 2.8 seconds. Riders speed through a make-believe night of Southern California in a 24-passenger stretch limo. The ride climbs to 85 feet and goes by Hollywood landmarks. It includes five inversions.<<
Originally Posted By Ursula How sad for his family. I can only assume this was another unknown health-related incident, as I've ridden on it with a person who doesn't like big coasters and found it do-able. It's not like it's a Goliath or anything, is what I'm trying to say. I hate when these things happen. I feel so bad or the family and for Disney, regardess of who is at fault.
Originally Posted By ChiMike Very sad. As a parent I always cringe at the thought of one second enjoying a ride with my child and the next second that child being gone forever. Very sad.
Originally Posted By Buzz Lite-Snack I would be the person Ursula was speaking of - and I am not a big fan of "super-coasters" and I found Rock n Roller Coaster so enjoyable that after riding it the first time, said "Let's go again!" And we circled around and got back in the queue. I can't see how it could have anything to with the attraction if a coaster wuss like me found me it enjoyable. It's a shame this has happened - but I have to ask - "Why is it only news if someone is injured or dies on a Disney attraction?". Does anyone have any links to statistics or info on coaster injuries at other or ALL parks? It seems to me with the types of mega-coasters all over the world that the press coverage of Disney injuries must be out of proportion to that of other parks.
Originally Posted By Darkbeer The article has just been updated with new info... <a href="http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/orl-bk-disney06292006" target="_blank">http://www.orlandosentinel.com /business/tourism/orl-bk-disney06292006</a>,0,5996099.story?coll=orl-home-headlines >>The boy was declared dead en route to Celebration Hospital after the 11:30 a.m. incident. Disney said it closed the attraction "pending an investigation. An initial review of the attraction shows the ride was operating normally." "We offer the family our deepest sympathies," Disney said in an statement about 2:46 p.m. "A company representative is with them providing assistance." 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.<<
Originally Posted By Darkbeer The Official Statement released by Walt Disney World: 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.
Originally Posted By Coachbagfanatic1 Oh, truly sad. I stomach goes into knots when I hear of a child passing away. Our condolences to the family. >>It's a shame this has happened - but I have to ask - "Why is it only news if someone is injured or dies on a Disney attraction?".<< Good question Buzz!!
Originally Posted By Darkbeer <a href="http://www.forbes.com/business/commerce/feeds/ap/2006/06/29/ap2850160.html" target="_blank">http://www.forbes.com/business /commerce/feeds/ap/2006/06/29/ap2850160.html</a> >> The Orange County sheriff's office said the boy was 7, but Disney officials said he was 12. The discrepancy couldn't immediately be explained. He died after he was brought by ambulance to a hospital at about 11:30 a.m., a Disney statement said. "We don't know if it is a trauma or medical call," sheriff's spokesman Jim Solomons said. The sheriff's office is investigating. State park safety officials were also notified, Disney said, and park officials closed the ride.<<
Originally Posted By BeastieGirl I am so sad to hear this news! It's too tragic when a child passes- I can't imagine what his family is going through!
Originally Posted By Darkbeer Here is a link to Audio of the 911 call made this morning. <a href="http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/orl-bk-disney911call1" target="_blank">http://www.orlandosentinel.com /business/tourism/orl-bk-disney911call1</a>,0,5444412.mp3file?coll=orl-home-headlines
Originally Posted By Darkbeer Another update from the Orlando Sentinel... <a href="http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/orl-bk-disney06292006" target="_blank">http://www.orlandosentinel.com /business/tourism/orl-bk-disney06292006</a>,0,5996099.story?coll=orl-home-headlines >>A 12-year-old boy died today after riding the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at Disney-MGM Studios theme park, officials said this afternoon. The boy, on vacation from Fort Campbell, Ky., with his family, was riding with his 7-year-old brother and parents. He was "reportedly limp after exiting the ride," and his father immediately began CPR, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office. A 911 call at 11:21 a.m. said the boy, identified this afternoon as Michael Russell, was unconscious and not breathing after the ride. The Reedy Creek Fire Rescue, which responds to emergency calls at Walt Disney World, noted in the 911 call report that there was no defibrillator available until rescue workers arrived about 11:26 a.m. The boy was taken to Celebration Hospital, where he was officially declared dead. Disney World officials said they closed the roller coaster "pending an investigation," but added that an "initial review of the attraction shows the ride was operating normally." "We offer the family our deepest sympathies," Disney said in a statement at 2:46 p.m. "A company representative is with them providing assistance." According to information released at a news conference this afternoon, the boy's parents said Michael Russell was in good health and had not complained about being sick before the ride. Byron and Charlotte Russell and sons, Michael and 7-year-old Houston, had checked out of their Disney hotel this morning.<<
Originally Posted By brick74 "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." That's a very odd sentence. Basically, that's the last 1.5 years (roughly), right? And 7 people? Really?
Originally Posted By dsnypaul This is so sad. I listened to the 911 call and was envisioning the boys father doing cpr on him. How heartbreaking
Originally Posted By Coachbagfanatic1 >>This is so sad. I listened to the 911 call and was envisioning the boys father doing cpr on him. How heartbreaking<< After reading this I have tears in my eyes and sorrow in my heart for those parents. My world would be over if this ever happened to me. My son is my life and without him, there would be no more life. I can't imagine the grief these parents are going through. Yes, truly heartbreaking.
