Cast Member Killed

[DisneyInsider]

Breaking news!

Apparently a cast member was killed today at WDW's Magic Kingdom.

I don't know tons of details....but it apparently happened at some boat dock....more info to follow

[MELSMICE]

Oh my goodness, how awful. I'm interested to hear what happened.

[DisneyInsider]

Here's the update...

Disney said a person in a character costume was killed after a float ran them over before the 3pm parade.

Rumor is it was a person in a Pluto costume.

Parade was cancelled.

At this point, no other information is available.

Sad day for the Disney cast.

Thoughts and prayers go out to the families.

[Jestocost]

Very sad indeed. From the WESH-TV Web site:

Disney Worker Killed In Parade Accident
POSTED: 4:12 PM EST February 11, 2004
UPDATED: 4:55 PM EST February 11, 2004

An accident during a parade at Walt Disney World killed an employee Wednesday.

The accident happened behind the scenes at the Magic Kingdom and was not witnessed by the public, WESH NewsChannel 2 reported.

The employee was portraying a Disney character, but officials would not disclose what character was involved. The victim was believed to have been run over by a float, Reedy Creek Fire Department public information officer Bo Jones said.
Stay with WESH NewsChannel 2 and WESH.com for further details.

[Luv2Roam]

:( :( :( :( :(

[Bob O]

Thoughts and prayers for the family!!!!

[princesstommi]

That is so sad! :(

[Luv2Roam]

They showed an ariel view of the parade at the side of Splash Mountain. I think that is where it took place. The parade was under way, but looks like floats were on their way out yet.
The news said a press conference is going on now at the Cont and will report back.

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

Here is the article from the Orlando paper below...........

A Disney worker was killed during a parade at the Magic Kingdom this afternoon, rescue officials said.

The worker, a costumed character taking part in an afternoon parade, was killed about 3:15 p.m., said Bo Jones, assistant chief of the Reedy Creek Fire Department.

"It was a costumed character, but I don't know which one," Jones said. Jones was unable to confirm reports that the worker was killed after being hit by a float.

Though unaware of the cause, Jones said the accident occurred in a backstage area, out of sight of guests.

Jones said the Orange County Sheriff's Office was looking into the death.

Disney officials did not immediately return calls for comment.

[lenshanem]

Wow, what a strange day.

Prayers to the family and friends.

How terrible....

:( :( :(

[WDWguru]

From what I'm seeing on the wire, it appears the parade was ending and the accident happened backstage near the float "barn" area near Splash Mountain. If you've been on the Keys to the Kingdom tour recently, you probably visited that exact spot.

Seems to me the character would have had to trip and fall in front of the float or have been taking the head of the costume off or something in order to not get out of the way in time. I know those floats are heavy, but they don't move very fast.

[travelbug]

What a tragedy! Very very sad. :(

[Luv2Roam]

The film I saw was the local news flying overhead of where the accident supposedly took place. They were showing about three floats lined up at the Away From Public Viewing line, and by the RR tracks right by SM. The floats were lined up to leave the area. They siad the call came in at 3:30. I think the parade starts at 3:15. :confused:
And they said the parade was still underway at the time of the accident. I don't recall their exact words but I got the impression the parade floats were leaving that area. And that location and direction is what I have experienced and witnessed.

[mitros]

They have not yet contacted the next of kin, so they are not announcing the CMs name. It was possible that a few guests could have seen the accident, as the float was starting to move out into the parade line. The parade was halted at that point, and the rest of the parade was canceled. Parts of the parade had already left the staging area and were not aware of what happened. No word at this point if the parade will take place tomorrow.

[CRSNDSNY]

This is terrible news!

[Luv2Roam]

News on now.
Float was ready to pull out and the CM somehow got caught up in it.

[lenshanem]

Didn't I read at one time that this parade wasn't going to be used as long as they had intended due to some accidents that had already happened? Or am I dreaming? Anyone? If so, this could be worse...

[mitros]

It was near the Splash Mountain ride., newest line in the 6 oclock news

[dizneygirl55]

How sad! Prayers to the family and to all cast members!!:(

[Naisy68]

That is truly a tragedy. My thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of that cast member. I cannot even imagine something like that happening. I feel really numb now.

[WDWguru]

The latest wire update does confirm the CM was in line toward the end of the parade order and the final section was about to go onstage when the accident happened. The parade time listed on the official site today is 3:00, and the accident happened around 3:15, so that makes sense. That's why the conflicting reports of end vs beginning of the parade. Most of the parade had already gone on stage, but the CM was in line toward the end of the parade and had not yet gone on stage.

[LibertyBelle]

Thoughts and Prayers are very much appreciated by the extended Disney "family". The CM was one of those that was friends with eveyone and will be missed dearly.

To my knowledge it was the second to the last float (which is the Princess float) and the CM is a walking character with the finale float, somehow he got caught up in the float...not sure if a section of the float broke away or if he got caught on something, regardless it was out of guest view at the parade start (not the end) and is a huge loss for all that knew him...

Prayers to the family and lots of hugs to my friends that are grieving right now :(

[DisneyBlondie18]

Wow, how sad! But, think of the bright side, what a unsusal, but nice way to go...in disney.....but thoughts and all my prayers to the family members....:(

[Planogirl]

This is so sad and such a horrible way to go. My heart goes out to the family and fellow CM's.

[bigs1923t]

As a Disney CM I have been backstage. The parade lines up backstage by splash mountian. If this is where it happened they were hit before the float came on stage. The parade ends at Town Square and they go off stage by the firehouse. It would be almost impossible to get hit at the end of the parade. I have been backstage when the parade ends and there is a small army of people helping parade members get costumes off ect. They have beverages waiting for them. They also have a frame sorta like a house which sprays water which the parade people can go in and get water sprayed on them. Some go under the water shower with their caracter coatume still on after removing only the head. They are also closley watched for exhaustion ect. There are aerial lift trucks to get the people off of the high floats. It is a very interesting sight to watch. This is a sad day but if there is any good in it they died doing something they loved.

[Luv2Roam]

Keep us inmind if there is some sort of memorial find for the family members. I am sure many of us would be happy to ocntribute.

[dizneygirl55]

Yes, please let us know if they do have a memorial for the CM-we would like to help if we can---:(

[caparamedic]

Originally posted by DisneyInsider
Rumor is it was a person in a Pluto costume.



It WAS Pluto. Not a rumor. Not that it matters.

This is a terrible accident and our prayers go out to the family and friends of this young cast member. She probably didn't even know what hit her since it happened quickly.

This is number three big accident in less than a week. Two really bad auto accidents (one with three fatalities) on Friday, Feb. 6.

[caparamedic]

Originally posted by DisneyBlondie18
Wow, how sad! But, think of the bright side, what a unsusal, but nice way to go...in disney.....but thoughts and all my prayers to the family members....:(

Bright side? There is nothing nice about this. Death, especially for a young healthy person, is tragic now matter where it occurs.

Most trauma is preventable and trauma is the number one killer for those 14-20 years old.

[ztbz]

Looks like the accident also shut the Train down for the day as well, just got home and I was watching my Tivo and you can clearly see the Railroad Tracks near by the Float in question. Since the accident accrued around 3:15 and the (Live) News was showing the float still in the same position at 6 pm.

[Schmeck]

My thoughts and prayers go out to family, friends, and co-workers.

Schmeck

edited to remove the word "her", since the article below states the accident victim's name

[mitros]

And that float will remain there until the police and OSHA investigations are finished. :(

[PrincessDeb]

What a sad, sad day! Please let us know if there is anything that we can contribute to. You CM's do a great job and I would like to honor that in some way.:( :(

[kennancat]

I just saw that the 11:00 news is promising an interview with the victim's family. I think that's awful - they just lost their family member 7 hours ago, and now somebody's sticking a camera in their face?

[bearloch]

What a sad sad day! Please express our deepest sympthy (sp) to the family and cast members of WDW. This wonderful cast member will be in our hearts and prayers.

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

Todays Orlando paper update (2-12-04).......

Disney worker killed in parade

Javier Cruz, a father of two, was in costume as the character Pluto when a float ran over him, officials said.

By Sean Mussenden and Amy C. Rippel | Sentinel Staff Writers
Posted February 12, 2004

A float ran over and killed a costumed Disney worker during a Magic Kingdom parade Wednesday, park officials and police said.

Javier Cruz, 38, a father of two and an eight-year Disney veteran, was playing Pluto in the daily afternoon parade.

"Javier was a Disney character even when he wasn't working," said his sister, Wanda Marin, 36, of Orlando. "I used to call him a wingless angel."

About 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, he was at work, in a backstage area near Frontierland about to enter the public area of the park when the accident was witnessed by a handful of his co-workers.

"We think very few guests saw it, if any," said park spokesman Bill Warren.

Disney released few details about the death Wednesday night, citing ongoing investigations by the Orange County Sheriff's Office and the Occupational Safety & Health Administration.

An Orange County Sheriff's Office spokesman, Deputy Carlos Torres, said the death appeared to be accidental.

The afternoon "Share a Dream Come True" parade is a favorite of guests at Disney's signature Orlando theme park, featuring large floats resembling "snow globes" and dozens of costumed characters.

Cruz began work at Disney as a custodian in 1995, and eventually began wearing costumes, silently interacting with guests.

Before playing Pluto, he performed in the Lion King show and portrayed the character of Eeyore at the park, friends and family said.

On Wednesday, he was dressed as Pluto near the end of the parade line and was about to pass through a gate into public view near Splash Mountain when the float struck him.

Floats and characters that left the backstage area before the accident continued down the parade route toward Main Street, U.S.A., Warren said, but floats and characters behind Cruz did not.

Marin, his sister, said someone who worked with her brother told her that he tripped in front of the float and there wasn't enough time for him to move.

'It's not acceptable'

"We believe it could have been prevented. I believe they should have kept a distance between him as a character and the float," she said.

"OK, it's an accident, but it's not acceptable. They should have prevented this."

Cruz, who lived with his mother at the Mystic Pointe apartments near Disney, was the father of two children, a 14-year-old boy, Javier Jr., and a 12-year-old girl, Jasmine. Both children live with their mother, Cruz's ex-wife, in Kissimmee.

Cruz's mother, Irene Gonzalez, 65, was taken to an area hospital with blood pressure problems after learning of her son's death.

Like an older brother

Family and friends said Cruz was a fun-loving clown, always willing to help out a fellow Disney cast member in need.

Megan Long, who sometimes played Winnie the Pooh with Cruz's Eeyore said younger cast members considered him an older brother.

"If you had a problem, he would take care of you, no questions asked," said Long, a former Disney employee now living in Nevada.

Long, who said she also played other characters, said the bulky head pieces make it difficult to navigate around the large floats.

"Sometimes, it's tough to see when the sun is glaring right on you," she said.

In 1999 another Disney employee died in a fall from the Magic Kingdom's Skyway ride. OSHA fined the resort $4,500 for what it called a "serious" violation of safety standards.

The 65-year-old employee was swept from the Fantasyland Skyway loading platform by a moving gondola. He fell about 40 feet.

[2BoysMum&Dad]

This is very sad news indeed.

I would be interested to know what it's like wearing one of those costumes. What is visibility and mobility like? Suppose that depends which character it is. Does it get very hot (especially in hot weather)?

2BoysMum&Dad :(

[JoiseyMom]

Here is a link to a newspaper article concerning the accident.

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/nation/7931341.htm

[Jennasis]

So sad. I was shocked when I heard about it this morning on "Today". Although Anne Curry (the anchorwoman) said it was a guy in a Goofy costume. Wouldn't be the first time a major news outlet got the facts wrong.

My heart goes out to the family.

[DukeStreetKing]

What a terrible thing to happen.

Is this accident just a tragic mistake or can it be related to the continuous decline in standards that have taken place at WDW?

I'm not trying to bash anyone, but it is obvious that the parks have been in a decline for a while, as far as cleanliness, maintenance, etc. I'm just curious if any safety measures were cut that could have prevented this death.

Also, not the best time for this to happen, what with all the upheaval going on. Wouldn't you agree?

I know this post seems callous, but it really isn't meant to be.

[KNWVIKING]

***"Is this accident just a tragic mistake or can it be related to the continuous decline in standards that have taken place at WDW? "***

IMO it was just an accident, probably caused by the CM doing something he's done a hundred times before. When we get good at doing a task,we tend to ignore the published safety precautions. How many of us "close the cover before striking" ?
How many woodworkers have lost fingers because they pushed the last few inches of a board thru a band saw by hand,rather then using another piece of wood. It's human nature to believe "it won't happen to me".

[Kaycee]

Is this accident just a tragic mistake or can it be related to the continuous decline in standards that have taken place at WDW?

Please don't turn the tragic death of someone who was loved by so many at Disney into another opportunity to bash Disney.

If you truly feel the need to criticize Disney, you certainly have the right. But while we are all so saddened by this loss is not the time.

A thorough investigation into this accident is taking place, and if Disney was in any way at fault I'm sure that will be found out. In the meantime, all reports indicate this was a horrible accident. Unfortunately, horrible accidents can happen anywhere.

[caseymaureen]

2BoysMum&Dad-
I've never personaly worn a costume, so I don't know this from my own experience. From what I've heard it's an average of 20 degrees hotter inside the costume than whatever it is outside, and the head makes it seem like you're wearing blinders, i.e. you can only see directly in front of you. This is why the character performers are forbidden to back up- they can't see at all beside or behind them.
Very sad, indeed.

[mrsltg]

I'm just curious if any safety measures were cut that could have prevented this death.

Yes, they cut off his feet. The man TRIPPED. Have you ever tripped? Was it a result of your employer not emptying the garbage fast enough & employing cost saving measures? Or was it a freak accident?

Sadly, this is the case of wrong place, wrong time. He tripped and was run over. This is horribly tragic and I truly hope that those employees who witnessed it and especially those on the float will get counseling. I feel for his family and his CM family. What a terrible accident.

As far as his sister already setting the stage for a lawsuit, it sickens me. He's not even cold yet, maybe you can wait to count the $$$?

Erin :D

[LibertyBelle]

Originally posted by DukeStreetKing
Is this accident just a tragic mistake or can it be related to the continuous decline in standards that have taken place at WDW?


I understand your thoughts and won't bash you for them...

As a CM at MK and a friend of Javier's, it was a Tragic accident. I was not there when it happened but from what I have been told he simply tripped. Something we all do on a daily basis... I trip all the time, kind of scary to think about it that way. No one was at fault here, the float was already staged to be sent out into Frontierland, he was walking up in front of the finale float and tripped unfortunatley in the path of the Princess Float (remember this is a 3 peice float so the driver who is in the first peice can not see the last peice so is no way at fault). I really don't think that any type of precaution could have prevented this...it was an unforeseable accident.

[mitros]

How good is the float drivers visability? On some of the Disney floats you cannot even tell where the driver is. I assume visability for a driver and a CM in a costume are both impaired to a certain extent. :(

[DukeStreetKing]

LibertyBelle,

Thanks for understanding my posting. I already put on my flak jacket before I posted because I knew some people would take offense at it.

I asked my questions, knowing full well that it was an accident and accidents do happen. When the characters are out and about in the park to meet the kids and sign autographs, they have a "handler" to make sure things go smoothly and to escort the character around. With all the activity that I imagine goes on behind the scenes for the parades, wouldn't it make sense to have some kind of "handler" for the parade characters? I'm not saying they should walk to parade route, but perhaps just at the entrance to the parade to make sure something like this doesn't happen. From a previous posting, I learned that they have all kinds of personnel at the end of the route to assist the characters.

I love Disney. It has provided me with many, many good times and memories, however, I am not so blinded by the magic that I don't realize it is a business and the important thing is the bottom line. I ask questions because I have them, not because I want to bash Disney, Michael Eisner or anyone else.

Ok, now the fire retardant suit is on as well, so everyone feel free to flame on!

[LibertyBelle]

Originally posted by mitros
How good is the float drivers visability? On some of the Disney floats you cannot even tell where the driver is. I assume visability for a driver and a CM in a costume are both impaired to a certain extent. :(

The float drivers visability is limited but visibility in this case was not the problem. The float is a 3 peice unit that is coupled together. The driver is in the very front (obviously) and Javier was coming up behind it when he tripped. Unfortunatley there was nothing the float driver could have done as he would not have been able to even see the incident, which occured behind him. The floats are all equiped with an emergency stop button so if anything occurs on the parade route any of the walking performers can stop the float immediatly, however in this instance it all happened so fast, there was nothing that they could have done. The particular float is the largest one in the parade and is difficult to maneuver... the float drivers start off small and work their way up to the big floats. The drivers of that float have a lot of experience under their belt. On that subject Javier was also a float driver (usually for Spectro Magic) so he was aware of the dangers surrounding the float and what the driver can and can not see.

This was a tragic accident. Javier simply tripped in the wrong place. There is no fault, there is no blame, it was just his time.


DUKESTREETKING:
There are also a lot of people around at parade step off. The charaters are not supposed to walk up before their float as it is a very tight space. Once the float is staged and ready to go into the park the characters for that unit walk up to be with it. From my understanding Javier had come up just before his float as he did everyday and simply tripped. If the Princess Float was staged and ready to go then the finale float would be sitting right behind it and Javier's postion in the parade was a walking character in front of the finale float. He was not in the wrong place he just tripped at the wrong time.

[Lori in CNY]

My deepest sympathy to Javier's family and friends and to the CMs who worked with him at the Magic Kingdom.

I am also so saddened by this and feel terribly for the driver of this float who must be torn up over this. While it was not anyone's fault, they must still feel just awful.

So sad for everyone...:(

[beattyfamily]

Originally posted by mrsltg
As far as his sister already setting the stage for a lawsuit, it sickens me. He's not even cold yet, maybe you can wait to count the $$$?


I was very saddened by the news early this morning and I quickly put children's shows on so my 2 DD's wouldn't hear it but just a few seconds after being shocked and saddened, I then got angry when I heard that the family is already thinking of suing Disney for "Wrongful Death". How could they possibly be thinking this ALREADY!!?? It hasn't even been 24 hours yet. Sounds like a tragic accident that could happen any where, any time to any one and so far, it doesn't seem to be Disney's fault.

My heart goes out to all those mourning this wonderful CM.

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

Originally posted by DukeStreetKing
Ok, now the fire retardant suit is on as well, so everyone feel free to flame on!

http://users.telenet.be/eforum/emoticons4u/violent/sterb082.gif

[missydisney]

Waht a terrible accident. We should all pray for this Fine gentlemen and his family. While he finds peace in heaven, we should pray that his family will find peace and understanding that this was a horrific addicent, but it was an accident. That their friends and family may comfort them and lead them thru this ordeal.
:(

[King Triton]

I will miss Pluto.:(

[bearloch]

I may get bashed for this But He was a Disney Employee who knew the risks and dangers and promblems of wearing the suit He had a accident and died it was a accident, nothing more nothing less I hope the family can accept this and let it be would they try to sue disney if he had died in a car accident on his way to work?? Im sure that they will get some sort of compansion through life insurance of workmand comp, But to sue disney over this unless there is more information out there is silly! I believe every cast member who wears a cosutme knows there is some risk to injury when you have such limited vision and moving ability he chose to continue it was his choice and I believe he enjoyed hi job or he would have quit! it is a loss and I pray for his family and the CM at the park and that Disney does the right thing by his family !

[Samirella]

Originally posted by DukeStreetKing
LibertyBelle,

With all the activity that I imagine goes on behind the scenes for the parades, wouldn't it make sense to have some kind of "handler" for the parade characters? I'm not saying they should walk to parade route, but perhaps just at the entrance to the parade to make sure something like this doesn't happen.

There was a co-worker nearby that Javier had been interacting with. The accident just happened too fast to be prevented.

[gshoemate]

Originally posted by beattyfamily
I was very saddened by the news early this morning and I quickly put children's shows on so my 2 DD's wouldn't hear it but just a few seconds after being shocked and saddened, I then got angry when I heard that the family is already thinking of suing Disney for "Wrongful Death". How could they possibly be thinking this ALREADY!!?? It hasn't even been 24 hours yet. Sounds like a tragic accident that could happen any where, any time to any one and so far, it doesn't seem to be Disney's fault.

My heart goes out to all those mourning this wonderful CM.

My thoughts exactly. It was on the 11:00 news last night and in the broadcast the family said they were already looking into legal action. My first thought was "he hasn't even been gone for 12 hours yet and there already thinking lawsuit". They said it could take up to 2 weeks for OSHA to investigate and the family didn't even wait 12 hours to mention lawsuit. Thats what life insurance is for, in the event of an accident your family will be taken care of.

Don't get me wrong, my thoughts go out to this family. I know a few CM's that work MK parades and I was very concerned for them at the beginning because the name wasn't released.

[LibertyBelle]

I just wanted to send my Cheers to the Parade entertainment cast. I was a friend of Javier's but not in Entertainment. I understand the show must go on but I wanted to write and say that they DID run the Share a Dream Come True Parade yesterday (without any show stops and minus the snowglobe Princess float, they used the old Remember the Magic float) and simply hearing the music made me cry. I have the ut-most respect for each and everyone of those performers who went into work yesterday, put on their costumes and forced a smile out to create the Disney Magic that they do so well. It was a very difficult time for all involved and they did a very brave thing in my book. Many members of the Guest Relations and Main Street team were out on the steps of City Hall clapping for them as we can only imagine what they were going through. It took courage and strenghth to do the parade and I applaud all of them for going out there yesterday and doing exactlly what Javier would ahve wanted them to. He Loved his job, he loved being in the parades, he loved making people smile and he would not have wanted anything different.

[beattyfamily]

Wow, that's so brave of them. Reading your post made me cry all over again.

I think it's going to be very difficult for those CM who work at MK and especially the parade for some time to come. I feel so badly for everyone involved!

Thanks for sharing!:(

[Luv2Roam]

I am surprised at the lawsuit too. Anything I have read or heard does not sound like neglect on Disney's part. It sounds like something that could have happened to anyone at anytime. You trip. You fall. It happens.
Heck, I fell that night in front of ASMo -- out into the street. I was lucky. I could have fallen into the path of an oncoming car. Disney's neglect? No.
Maybe the family is hoping for a payout in a nuisance suit. But most likely they are just taking their anger out on Disney.
My hearts go out to them and all CMs. :(

[wishuponastarforever]

Libertybelle
Thank you so much for the insight into the person Javier Cruz was.
Your post about the parade taking place yesterday was heart warming and heart wrenching all at the same time.
I for one will never look at the parades or any of the CM's without feeling a whole new respect and love.
Please keep us up to date when a fund is established for his children. I'm sure many would like to participate.
My prayers to all who knew him.

[logical]

During a break in college, I was on a travelling road show for General Mills. Two other guys and I went around the country doing a marionette show. Between shows, we would have to wear costumes. I was Frankenberry. Frankenberry was about 7.5 ft tall and his head was made out of fabric covered fiberglass or something similar. (it was covered, couldn't tell) I looked through the mouth of the character so my vision was limited and it was also screened black. Most of the characters are looking through some sort of colored screen.

The weight of the costumes is not bad for the first 5-10 minutes, but it doesn't take long for it to feel like you are carrying around a portable pizza oven around your body.

Everybody loves to kick and punch costumed characters for some reason and children spook easily when you get within their safety zone. ( I've seen Trix rabbit scare the crap out of a happy child by taking one more step..)

I don't miss it.

BTW What about the accident in Feb? I haven't heard anything about it.

Wes

[hulabird]

This was a very sad thing to hear, and my prayers go out to his family and friends. When bad things happen we are always looking to blame someone, it's human nature. But don't forget, things happen every minute of the day that are unexplainable and very hard to understand. A friend of mine went to bed with her husband one night and a few hours later, her husband died suddenly for no apparent reason, he wasn't sick or anything and was feeling fine and healthy that very night. Maybe when it is your time, you just go-- wherever you may be, whatever you may be doing and sometimes it happens when it shouldn't, at least in our eyes. We all hold Disney on a high pedestal because we love it so much and want to think of it only as perfect, so when things like this happen, we take it even harder. I don't think blame can be put on Disney for this unfortunate, horrible accident.

[Samirella]

Originally posted by LibertyBelle
I just wanted to send my Cheers to the Parade entertainment cast. I was a friend of Javier's but not in Entertainment. I understand the show must go on but I wanted to write and say that they DID run the Share a Dream Come True Parade yesterday (without any show stops and minus the snowglobe Princess float, they used the old Remember the Magic float) and simply hearing the music made me cry. I have the ut-most respect for each and everyone of those performers who went into work yesterday, put on their costumes and forced a smile out to create the Disney Magic that they do so well. It was a very difficult time for all involved and they did a very brave thing in my book. Many members of the Guest Relations and Main Street team were out on the steps of City Hall clapping for them as we can only imagine what they were going through. It took courage and strenghth to do the parade and I applaud all of them for going out there yesterday and doing exactlly what Javier would ahve wanted them to. He Loved his job, he loved being in the parades, he loved making people smile and he would not have wanted anything different.

This also isn't just being felt at the Magic Kingdom. The sorrow and shock is felt over all four parks. Most people in entertainment get scheduled across property in all four of the parks. Others who are scheduled at one park pick up overtime at the other parks. This is difficult for anyone in the department whether they knew Javier or not. He was killed doing what they do every day. It could have happened to anyone.

[goofy4tink]

I don't post over here too often, but have been following this thread. Just wanted to thank the WDW CMs for posting here and keeping us up to date on the true story. Sometimes these tragedies get completely lost in the 'rumors'. So, thanks for posting and most of all....thanks for sharing your innermost thoughts. How horrible it must be for all of you. Like others have said here, I will never view a parade/show again in the same way. Thanks for all you do!!!

[gassmandy]

I was just wondering something. I remember watching a show on the Travel channel once about "secrets inside the MK" or something to that effect. And I remember a part of it where they were showcasing all the vast technologies used during the parade. I remember being so amazed and not surprised at how advanced they were!! There were some sort of sensor type things that let them know where the parade was at all times and a lot of other neat aspects. (Forgive me for forgetting the technological details but I remember finding it very fascinating). Anyway--just wondering if there would be any way to "modernize" the floats w/ sensors underneath where they would stop if they "sensed" an object.........like in this case...or perhaps...God forbid...a mother/father doesn't react fast enough if a young child darts out into the path of the parade in excitement??(and isn't seen by the driver?).
I agree 100% about not rushing to judgement and a lawsuit. Just wondering if there is something now that could be done??
I hope his family can find peace in the memories of his life rather than dwell on the negatives in his death. How tragic for everyone.

[MELSMICE]

Originally posted by goofy4tink
Just wanted to thank the WDW CMs for posting here and keeping us up to date on the true story. Sometimes these tragedies get completely lost in the 'rumors'. So, thanks for posting and most of all....thanks for sharing your innermost thoughts.

I agree & must thank the CM's that are posting here also. It's nice to get the real facts as the media can distort & sensationalize them.

This is a terrible tragedy & my thoughts & prayers go out to the family & Javier's CM friends.

grassmandy - your post made me think of how "strict" the CM's are with not letting people "cross the street" when the parades are beginning to go down the streets. Let this be a lesson to those that think they can beat the parade to get to the other side of Frontierland or Main Street.

Freak accidents can happen any time, & while there are safety features in place on the floats, the CM's are the main "safety nets" and their instructions should be obeyed at all times. They are not there to make you wait for the parade to stop, they are there for your safety.

[Samirella]

Originally posted by gassmandy
Anyway--just wondering if there would be any way to "modernize" the floats w/ sensors underneath where they would stop if they "sensed" an object.........like in this case...or perhaps...God forbid...a mother/father doesn't react fast enough if a young child darts out into the path of the parade in excitement

This is exactly why there are ropes/tape along the parade route. That's why Parade Audience Control is there enforcing the rule to stay behind the lines. The floats really don't travel that fast (they are battery powered like a golf cart) but they also don't stop on a dime, either. Because of that, I'm not sure a sensor like that would work.

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

Latest info from todays Orlando paper(2-13)..............

Float that killed worker was heavy as SUV but very slow.....

The 3-ton Disney float rolled over Javier Cruz. No policy changes are planned.

By Susan Jacobson and Sean Mussenden | Sentinel Staff Writers
Posted February 13, 2004

The section of a parade float that struck and killed a costumed Walt Disney World worker weighed 6,000 pounds -- slightly more than a large sport-utility vehicle -- but was moving no faster than a person can walk, a park spokeswoman said Thursday.

Javier Cruz was walking between the second and third parts of a moving three-section float and became "entangled with" the third segment, causing him to lose his balance, Orange County sheriff's records show. The float rolled over Cruz, pinning him beneath the frame.

Disney had no immediate plans to change any policies in the aftermath of the accident, which happened about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, spokeswoman Rena Langley said. Cruz, 38, dressed as Pluto, was moving toward a gate leading to a public area near Splash Mountain at the Magic Kingdom

Disney workers used a forklift to lift the "Princess" float off of Cruz's body, said Capt. Bernie Presha, a sheriff's spokesman.

The death apparently was accidental, but an investigation is continuing, Orange County sheriff's spokesman Cpl. Carlos Torres said. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration and Disney are conducting their own inquiries.

Donna-Lynne Dalton, business agent for the union that represents costumed workers, sat in on OSHA interviews with witnesses.

"It appeared the float was where it was supposed to be," said Dalton of Teamsters Local 385. "The driver and coordinators were in no way at fault. They were following proper procedure."

The 3 p.m. "Share a Dream Come True" parade went on as scheduled Thursday, although the float that hit Cruz was removed for examination by investigators and replaced with a substitute castle-theme float, Langley said. The parade included another worker dressed as Pluto.

Some employees who were off Thursday volunteered to come in anyway and show their support for Cruz by performing in the parade, Langley said.

Backstage, Disney employees wore small black ribbons backed with a yellow square in memory of Cruz. Most of the spectators who lined up for Thursday's parade seemed unaware of the death, although two off-duty workers wept and one wore a ribbon as they watched. The company provided grief counseling for employees, Langley said.

"Disney is a really close-knit family, so it's been a very sad day," said one worker, who did not want to be identified for fear of being fired. "But you know, it's Disney -- the show must go on, right?"

Cruz's family was making funeral arrangements Thursday for the father of two. His sister, Wanda Marin, 36, said the family is angry and thinks Disney should have done more to protect her brother. Initially, a witness told Marin that Cruz tripped. But Thursday she said others told her that wasn't true. The float was near Cruz before someone yelled, "Look out, the float is behind you!" Marin said.

"Someone should have pulled him out of the way," she said.

Marin complained that the Pluto costume didn't allow Cruz to see on either side of him without turning his body. Orlando lawyer John Morgan, who played Pluto at Disney in the 1970s when he was in high school and college, agreed.

"You could see perfectly straight ahead," said Morgan, who drove a Betsy Ross float during the U.S. bicentennial celebration at Disney. "You have zero peripheral vision. I bet he got hit from the side."

Disney provides many hours of training in how to maneuver in costumes, and extensive rehearsals are part of every show and parade, Langley said. She said she couldn't provide details about the accident.

"Out of respect for his family and because the investigation is ongoing, I can't give specifics of where he was or what he was doing," Langley said. "We understand that this is a difficult time for them, and our hearts go out to the family."

Cruz had been employed at Disney since 1995, first as a custodian.

Disney sent food, is paying for the funeral and bought airplane tickets for some of Cruz's family members to attend.

"Free food is nice," she said. "It does not bring my brother back."

[lenshanem]

"Disney is a really close-knit family, so it's been a very sad day," said one worker, who did not want to be identified for fear of being fired. "But you know, it's Disney -- the show must go on, right?"

Thansk Nick for thr article.

Wonder why she woudl fear being fired by that comment? That stuck out as odd to me. Think that is the writer;s imagination?

[Mom2Em]

Thank you Libertybelle and Samirella for taking the time to keep us informed... I am so sorry... {{{{HUGS}}} and *PD* for his co-workers and family....

[BumbleBeeTrain]

"Disney is a really close-knit family, so it's been a very sad day," said one worker, who did not want to be identified for fear of being fired. "But you know, it's Disney -- the show must go on, right?"
:confused:
Wonder why she woudl fear being fired by that comment? That stuck out as odd to me. Think that is the writer;s imagination?


Most lower-level (and I don't mean that in a bad way, but the majority of your non-executives) are not supposed to talk to the media about company events. This includes not only this tragic event, or the Comcast deal, but also the recent press event for Mission:SPACE. The cast of that attraction was to defer any questions about the attraction and it's effects to the media relations team. One could only imagine what would be printed then, as we all have our opinions about what we do. This way there is a consistant statement from the company on what is happening/has happened.

The local media knows this and trys to get people to talk anyway... I know the Orlando Sentinel had a reporter at a local CM hangout that night to get reactions to this event and the Comcast offer. Most will choose not to talk, others will use fake names or go unidentified.


It's sad people would fear for thier jobs becasue of their opinion, but in a world where image is everything, sometimes hiding in the shadows is the best way.




p.s. UserName changed to protect the innocent
:D :D

[LibertyBelle]

I have not been able to find a formal address and no fund has been set up for Javier's family, but for those of you that asked about sending condolences the Orlando Sentinel has a guest book on line that you can sign:

http://www.legacy.com/orlandosentinel/Guestbook.asp?Page=GuestbookOrder&PersonID=1930244

Please take the time to share your thoughts and prayers so his family knows just how much he was LOVED...

[wdhatter]

This just came in over our Company e-mail....

"In lieu of flowers, the family of Javier Cruz has requested that donations be given in his memory to the Children's Miracle Network. For those who wish to do so, checks may be made out to the Children's Miracle Network and mailed to the address below. Be sure to include "In Memory of Javier Cruz" in the subject line of the check.

Children's Miracle Network
22 West Lake Beauty Drive
Suite 102
Orlando, FL 32806

Credit card donations are also accepted by call the Children's Miracle Network at 407-481-2774."

Hope this helps for those of you who wanted to lend some assistance.

[pamlet]

I think that it is pretty standard in all large organizations that there be designated folks to speak on "public" issues. I know that it seems "unfair" that people should not be able to give their opinion, but generally in any type of incident there are many sides to a story, and an opinion is just that..

This incident is so sad - anytime someone loses their life so tragically it is tough to understand - especially when by all accounts Javier was a wonderful friend and individual.

His family - both natural, and his work family are in our prayers!

[wishuponastarforever]

Thank you Libertybelle and wdhatter for the information.

[WDSearcher]

Originally posted by LibertyBelle
I have not been able to find a formal address and no fund has been set up for Javier's family...
A message from teh Walt Disney Entertainment Communication Network:

In lieu of flowers, the family of Javier Cruz has requested that donations be given in his memory to the Children’s Miracle Network. For those who wish to do so, checks may be made out to the Children’s Miracle Network and mailed to the address below. Be sure to include “In Memory of Javier Cruz” in the subject line of the check.

Children’s Miracle Network
22 West Lake Beauty Drive, Suite 102
Orlando, FL 32806

Credit card donations are also accepted by calling the Children’s Miracle Network at 407-481-2774.

:earsboy:

[doombuggy]

Thanks for the info, WDW CMS. Maybe the company will post so info on donations thru Disney Hand on the portal.

Prayers go out to Javier's family and friends. Sounds like he touched the lives of many!
:angel:

[WDSearcher]

Doombuggy ... this info came from the portal.

:earsboy: