Originally Posted By tj1 I poked around a little looking for an update here and on news search engines. Did the autopsy information ever get released? Did I just miss it? The original estimate for the autopsy was 4 weeks, from what I recall. It's been about 9 weeks. I assume the work was completed long ago. I'm sure Disney Co. has little interest in reminding people about the boy's death, but I'm wondering why the results haven't been reported by the press? Is there any info out there? I hope the company is not going to "sweep this under the rug," hoping that everyone forgets about it.
Originally Posted By Goofyernmost I have stated before and I believe it to be true that Disney has no power when it comes to autopsy results. The decision is entirely in the hands of the parents. If they do not want anyone to know, it is illegal for that information to be given out unless it is foul play. There are many reasons why the parents might not want this to be made public. Perhaps out of respect and grief over there lost child or perhaps even something as sinister as preparing a lawsuit. Whatever the reason we can only accept what they have decided. Blaming Disney may be fashionable but probably not accurate.
Originally Posted By Darkbeer The autopsy is being handled by the Orange County (Florida) Medical Examiners office. <a href="http://www.orangecountyfl.net/cms/DEPT/hfs/healthservices/me/default.htm" target="_blank">http://www.orangecountyfl.net/ cms/DEPT/hfs/healthservices/me/default.htm</a> The results of the Autopsy are PUBLIC record, and when the results are finalized, they will be available... <a href="http://www.orangecountyfl.net/cms/DEPT/hfs/healthservices/me/faq.htm" target="_blank">http://www.orangecountyfl.net/ cms/DEPT/hfs/healthservices/me/faq.htm</a> >>Q. How can I get a copy of an autopsy report and how long will it take? A. A written request, including the name of the deceased and the date of death, is requested to be mailed, faxed or E-mailed to this office. The report, when complete, will be mailed only to the requester. If the case is a homicide or still under criminal active investigation, a report cannot be forwarded without permission of the investigating officer or State Attorney's office. And it is clear that the Medical Examiners office had the right to order an autopsy... But as far as I know, no final determination has been made, some folks say the expect the results to be released in September...
Originally Posted By Goofyernmost If that is true, and I don't have any reason to not believe you then let me say that I am glad that I do not live in Florida. The last thing I would want is to have somebody poking their nose in my business. At least where I live those reports are NOT public record unless permitted by family or appointed P of A's. Again, unless foul play is involved. Death by natural causes will be listed strickly as death by natural causes no further detail is required by the general public.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <I hope the company is not going to "sweep this under the rug," hoping that everyone forgets about it.< Like the media would let Disney sweep anything under the rug....of course if there is no blame to be placed on Disney...the the media could care less
Originally Posted By Darkbeer Not yet, but expect a lot of Media coverage when the Autopsy is released.
Originally Posted By englishboy It looks to me like disney effectively burried this report. Six months and counting.
Originally Posted By Jim_n_Ruth Disney can not influence the public release of the findings. No one can. That is a public record. For leagal wrangling, its release may be delayed, but not totally halted. My suspicion is that this poor child was born with an undetected ailment that manifested no dramatic warning signs.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 Disney is not that powerful....and the blood thirsty media is too far ranging these days to be able to do that with. Heck even the CIA can't get things covered up any more...surely the Mouse can't either. If there is a sliver of a story here you will hear about it, now if the poor child actually had a heart defect , which is almost certainly the case or others would be dropping also, then the media could care less...
Originally Posted By englishboy All I'm saying is: this happened six months ago. Florida is a state which is legally compelled to release such information to the public. Anyone else know of a six month autopsy? I don't. My honest guess: the autopsy will continue until there is a firm way to contextualize the fatality in such a way the ride wasn't the sole cause. That's my guess. I'm sure some will disagree. But seriously, six months for a high profile case on national news. This is extremely uncommon.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip My guess is the autopsy has been completed and found that the boy died of a pre-existing condition. I think the release of autopsy results would require the consent of the parents, and if nothing were found I doubt the parents would approve of the release. You are looking for conspiracy where it is likely none exists.
Originally Posted By Indigo I know for a fact that the media is still sniffing around on this one. I suspect there is just no there there. Instead of clamoring for death details, I’d like to see a public push for better education of the guests as to exactly what goes on in the thrill rides. If the attraction has a bad back, heart condition, pregnancy warning, there should be additional information printed in the daily map as to exactly the nature of the thrill, perhaps even a rating level. There should also be ample opportunity for those who are “back doored†into the attraction (VIPs, handicap, child swap, etc) to see the warning signs. I’d even go so far as to make a video booth available with attraction footage so people can view exactly what they will be experiencing before they board (perhaps have this at Guest Relations when they pick up a Guest Assistance Pass (and available online)). That still won’t prevent pre-existing conditions, but it will give those with weak constitutions, small children, and brittle bones, a chance to back out after learning more about the attraction.
