12 year old girl dies after collapsing at typhoon lagoon

[crusader]

Just heard this:

http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/orl-bk-disneydeath080505,0,2852824.story?coll=ny-leadnationalnews-headlines

Girl dies after collapsing at Disney park
The Virginia 12-year-old passed out next to the wave pool at Typhoon Lagoon.

By Willoughby Mariano
Sentinel Staff Writer

August 5, 2005


A 12-year-old girl died Thursday evening after passing out at the wave pool at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon, marking the third time in three months that a young person has suddenly fallen critically ill while visiting Walt Disney World.

The girl was sitting by herself on one of the simulated islands that dot the water park's wave pool about 6 p.m. when a lifeguard approached her to check on her, said Crystal Candy, a spokeswoman with the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

The child, who was visiting with cousins and an aunt from Newport News, Va., told the lifeguard she was fine and asked to be left alone. But when she stood up, she immediately passed out and the lifeguard signaled for help.

Employees dialed 911 and monitored the girl's vital signs, Disney spokeswoman Kim Prunty said.

The girl's pulse stopped and she stopped breathing, so lifeguards began cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

But it was too late.

Reedy Creek Fire Rescue transported the girl to Florida Hospital Celebration Health, where she was pronounced dead, Candy said.

"It is mysterious," Candy said. She would not identify the girl pending notification of her parents, who were not on the trip. The girl was out of the water when she fell ill.

Bo Jones, a spokesman for Reedy Creek Fire Rescue, called the incident "baffling."

Officials did not know what the girl was doing before lifeguards approached her. Family members, who were nearby when the lifeguard first approached her, told deputies the 12-year-old has no known medical conditions.

Jones said paramedics followed established procedures in their attempts to revive the girl.

Thursday's incident is the third sudden critical illness of a young person visiting Walt Disney World in three months. It is the second fatality.

On June 13, Daudi Bamuwamye, 4, of Pennsylvania collapsed on Epcot's Mission: Space ride and later died. Inspections showed no signs of ride malfunction, and investigators are awaiting results of an Orange-Osceola Medical Examiner's report.

On July 12, Leanne Deacon, 16, of Kibworth, England, suffered cardiac arrest shortly after exiting Disney-MGM Studio's Twilight Zone Tower of Terror thrill ride. A CT scan after her collapse showed she was bleeding in her brain.

Although Leanne complained of leg cramps and headaches before her collapse, her mother, June Deacon, told deputies that she too had no known medical conditions.

Leanne remained in critical condition Thursday at Florida Hospital Orlando. Family members have not disclosed further information.

Officials from the Florida Department of Agriculture Bureau of Fair Rides Inspection and Disney found the Tower of Terror operated properly.

The 61-acre Typhoon Lagoon simulates the remains of a Caribbean island village battered by storms. A vast surfing lagoon creates what the park advertises as "one of the world's largest artificially created waves for body surfing," according to one company description.

A Disney company official was dispatched to Florida Hospital Celebration Health to tend to the family's needs. Disney spokeswoman Prunty expressed condolences on behalf of her company.

"Our first thought is for the girl's family," Prunty said.

[sorcerermick]

Why are we hearing of so many incidents this year? Is it a fluke or is it because of the new reporting requirements that theme parks are faced with? Any experts have an idea?

[Luckymommyx2]

I have no idea but I'd be very interested in finding out. Anyone?

[peter11435]

Why are we hearing of so many incidents this year? Is it a fluke or is it because of the new reporting requirements that theme parks are faced with? Any experts have an idea?
They are not faced with new reporting requirements. They agreed voluntairly to report incidents 4 years ago. Thus the new "requirements" have been around for some time. These incidents are a combination of fluke, hotter weather, increased crowds and a news media that is reporting disney stories that would not have made the national papers previously but are now headline new.

[FrozenTundra]

WDW is basically a city the size of San Fran with a few hundred thousand people on property at any given time. How many deaths were reported in your hometown last year ?

[peter11435]

WDW is basically a city the size of San Fran with a few hundred thousand people on property at any given time. How many deaths were reported in your hometown last year ?
Yeah, and look at car accidents. If the same percentage of drivers who die in accidents applied to MK visitors, then about 1770 guests would die each year.

[Luckymommyx2]

Whoa, take it easy FrozenTundra. :duck:

[peter11435]

Whoa, take it easy FrozenTundra. :duck:
Why, he is completly correct.

[Mickmse2002]

I don't think the reporting is necessarily focused on WDW. You can read news snippets of deaths similar to this on the CNN or Fox News websites involving most of our home towns.

[FrozenTundra]

Do those "snippets" also include info on the two previous incidents that took place ?

[Mickmse2002]

Do those "snippets" also include info on the two previous incidents that took place ? Frequently yes they do. But what is your point?

[Luckymommyx2]

Why, he is completly correct.

It's all about tone, that's all. I had a genuine curiosity as to why we are hearing more about these incidents. I don't know if I'm just paying more attention to news stories about WDW since I'm a recent DVC owner or if there is another reason. I get tired of people innocently posing questions or opinions and the next thing you know we have a full blown debate. I was trying to prevent it....moving on.... :rolleyes: :love2:

[FrozenTundra]

You're telling me that after a CNN snippet reports a death in your hometown that the snippets that follow also remind viewers of a death that occured months earlier ? I must have a different cable provider.

My point is that the ONLY reason this is a national news story is because it is Disney.

[Mickmse2002]

You're telling me that after a CNN snippet reports a death in your hometown that the snippets that follow also remind viewers of a death that occured months earlier ? I must have a different cable provider.

My point is that the ONLY reason this is a national news story is because it is Disney.
Nope that's not what I am telling you. That is what you are choosing to to read. I was merely pointing out that in the news snippets found on both the CNN and Fox News website there are frequently local stories similar to this. And yes if there have been other similar deaths then they get reported as well. The OVERALL point I was making is I do not believe WDW is being singled out in this type of coverage but apparently i touched some sort of nerve with you so i offer my humblest of apologies for whatever affront I have offered.

[FrozenTundra]

I'm sorry if my post came across as snapping at you or anybody else that posted to this thread, that was not my intention.

I'm frustrated that the news media only cares about this because it is Disney. They try to make it sound as if there is an epidemic of death happening at WDW when in fact there is an incredibly low mortality rate on property if you think of WDW as a big city - which it is.

Also consider that millions of guests are probably exerting more energy doing "commando" in WDW then they have exerted in years during their normal lives. They eat more,drink more, play more, subject their bodies to spins,dips and G's then they do in their normal lives, yet we don't see a steady stream of hearsts leaving the property.

[wdwguide]

WDW is basically a city the size of San Fran with a few hundred thousand people on property at any given time. How many deaths were reported in your hometown last year ?

I don't think the analogy holds because the demographics are completely different. And I also don't think they are focusing on Disney per se - I remember plenty of news reports about accidents and incidents at other parks.
Still, I think your point that WDW is a reasonably safe environment is probably a valid one.

[FrozenTundra]

I realize my analogy isn't perfect, but I also don't think the demos are terribly far off. From what I've observed the age diversity seems pretty much on par with the average hometown. About the only real aboration would be that for a city as large as WDW the "population" is predominately white.

Well....one other major difference...... I don't think ANY city in America has as many of them electric wheel chairs as WDW.

[raidermatt]

The situations aren't even close. Somebody about to pass from cancer isn't likely to be on a trip to WDW. They are at home or in a hospital in their hometown. Gangs, traffic, crime rates and even pregnancies and births are going to make "death rates" not even in the same league.

That said, I agree that this particular situation doesn't seem to have anything to do with anything Disney did "wrong". However, Disney HAS had a few incidents lately that most definitely have been their complete fault, most prominently the Big Thunder Mountain incident at DL. It didn't help that after re-opening, the same ride had a couple of other minor accidents.

The M:S situation still has open questions. Its a fairly new ride with a certain reputation, and Disney even fueled that reputation, so people are going to find the incident newsworthy.

Then we have the California Screamin' accident from last week, and the news that Disney changed the braking system earlier this year without consulting the manufacturer, Intamin. Of course, Disney's position is that they themselves are the manufacturer, and Intamin is a subcontractor, but still, many industry insiders are expressing surprise at Disney's policy.

So I understand the frustration at a situation like the one that happened at Typhoon Lagoon being reported nationally and mentioned with some of these other incidents.

However, that's also what's going to happen when a highly visible company has some significant issues that could have been avoided.

Lets also remember that another reason Disney gets so much attention for these types of things is simply their popularity and recognition. They reap tremendous rewards from these things, so we probably don't need to feel TOO badly for them when they get some negative publicity.

[FrozenTundra]

Matt, my "City" analogy deals more with the "stuff happens" death rate more then illness or murder. But I think we're on the same page.

[Moobooks]

Plenty of people, both children and adults, have medical conditions that are difficult to diagnose--particularly if no one has been looking for them.
Going on certain types of rides may cause these latent conditions to manifest themselves. There really is no way to protect yourself against this sort of thing except to avoid going on any type of ride that creates stress and pressure on your brain and body.

[raidermatt]

...But I think we're on the same page.
Good, because sometimes I feel like nobody else is even in the same book as me.

[disney1972]

I agree with you Frozen Tundra.. I think more attention is paid to anything happening on Disney property. I was told years ago, and it may be rumor or may be truth, that it was Disney policy to not pronounce anyone dead until they were off of Disney grounds, therefore nobody died "on" Disney grounds. I have been going to Disney since the gates opened and will continue to go regardless. I think this is definitely blown up and big news because it is Disney. It would not make world news if it was the carnival down the street!

[jlima]

I was told years ago, and it may be rumor or may be truth, that it was Disney policy to not pronounce anyone dead until they were off of Disney grounds, therefore nobody died "on" Disney grounds.

I would want to be declared dead in a hospital AFTER a medical professional trained to do so tried EVERYTHING they could to revive me . . . not in an amusement park by a CM who just took a CPR class 3 weeks earlier.

[disney1972]

Many people are pronounced dead on the scene of an accident. Being a healthcare worker for 15 years many patients of mine were pronounced dead before they reach the hospital. It is not Disney's staff who pronounces anyone dead but the medical professionals who arrive on the scene. I was just stating that may be a reason for an increase and said that it may have been a rumor...

[mitros]

Yay! the debate board is back!....isn't it?

[HUFF590]

Im the only real Disney fan where I work, everyone there knows Im crazy about Disney, and when they here these stories they cant seem to wait to come tell me about it, like see I told you so Disney is hurting people why do you go? I would never go and take my kids. I feel terrible about what happened and for those families, but sometimes it does seem everyone wants to put ::MickeyMo Disney down.

[Saxsoon]

It's weird, my family always misses that stuff by just a bit. we were on a cruise, and a week later, half the ship was sick with food poisoning. And we went to Disney a week before the thunder mountain accident. we were at epcot the day of SPACE Accident. Heck, we were in D.C. a week before september 11. I do have to admit, that a lot of stuff has been happening lately, but when you think of it, it has a higher chance of people dieing, simply because of the increased numbers. You don't see it as much at other parks because of the smaller size. I do have to agree with frozentundra though because it does seem to be blown out of proportion ( with reason though) because it is the most succesful theme park and resort in history. Hopefully this will be the last time we hear this

[Peter Pirate]

Local Fox news (Miami) led tonight with "Another death at Disney World...Again a Child" ... How disgustingly sensational!

It's obvious that this had nothing to do with WDW but still the story is 'sexier' with Disney in the name.

I'm all for reporting of the Cal. Screamin accident or the deaths on GTMRR at DL, but sometimes it gets to be too much.
I would want to be declared dead in a hospital...
Personally, I'd prefer to NOT to be declared dead...
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[SoCalKDG]

The situations aren't even close. Somebody about to pass from cancer isn't likely to be on a trip to WDW.

Then we have the California Screamin' accident from last week, and the news that Disney changed the braking system earlier this year without consulting the manufacturer, Intamin. Of course, Disney's position is that they themselves are the manufacturer, and Intamin is a subcontractor, but still, many industry insiders are expressing surprise at Disney's policy.
I'd be at WDW if I didn't have much time left. Why not. I'll have a great time, and if I pass away, I'll know millions will read about me. :)

Where did you get the info on Screamin? Everything I've read is pointing to software error.

[marypops!]

3 deaths and a heart attack (i think) this year also i nearly fainted after riding soarin'
(but let's get back to this....)

[ChrisLei]

I think it is only because it is ON Disney property. Say these 3 incidents happened in neighboring town Kissimmee. It would be a not so noticable blip in the radar.

I agree with a previous poster: Hot weather, larger crowds, and also people not being too careful with themselves in this situation lead to the last 2 incidents. That said, drink LOTS AND LOTS of fluids if you are there in this massive heat. Our body needs it to keep every organ operating at top form!

[disney1972]

There are plenty accidents listed from multiple theme parks on themeparkinsider. com

Pretty interesting to see. Things happen.

We will be at Disney next month and will still go on all the rides. I guess if it is my time to go then it is my time to go, not too much I can do about it!!

[GrimGhost]

Nope that's not what I am telling you. That is what you are choosing to to read.... Perhaps we have moved past this point in the thread, but I took the point the same way you did.

[GrimGhost]

Good, because sometimes I feel like nobody else is even in the same book as me.

Matt, I am often atleast in the same chapter you're in....or on the page.

[weeyore33]

I think Frozentundra is correct. Disney is like a city, but not only that they have new residents every day, so the fact that there are not more fatalities or accidents shows how safe it is there, stuff can happen anywhere, look at that fair in new york where the cable broke, or kids dying on football fields, or baseball fields, it is unfortunate that people have to get sick or die, and it is unfortunate that the media thinks disney has control over some of these.

stay hydrated and try to get into disney vacation shape before going
we walk and have our kids walk so they are not shocked when we get there

i feel terrible for these families, my heart goes out to them

[raidermatt]

Where did you get the info on Screamin? Everything I've read is pointing to software error.


Orange County Register (http://www.ocregister.com/ocr/2005/08/05/sections/local/local/article_623858.php)

Note that this is not saying the changes were the cause, only pointing out the fact that they were changed. Certainly Intamin is engaging in a little CYA, but still, consulting with the manufacturer seems to be a fairly standard practice. If nothing else, Disney could have done its own CYA by consulting with Intamin when the changes were done.

I know Disney claims they are the manufacturer, but at best its a grey area, and why not err on the side of safety?

But again, as far as I know, the actual cause has not yet been determined.

[mark&sue]

These stories are reported here in the UK too. There does seem to be a lot of really tragic news involving young people these past few months. The accident in Disneyland was on the BBC news TV station while I was watching to hear of the London bombing news so it is international news.



Susan

[SoCalKDG]

Orange County Register (http://www.ocregister.com/ocr/2005/08/05/sections/local/local/article_623858.php)

Note that this is not saying the changes were the cause, only pointing out the fact that they were changed. Certainly Intamin is engaging in a little CYA, but still, consulting with the manufacturer seems to be a fairly standard practice. If nothing else, Disney could have done its own CYA by consulting with Intamin when the changes were done.

I know Disney claims they are the manufacturer, but at best its a grey area, and why not err on the side of safety?

But again, as far as I know, the actual cause has not yet been determined.Thanks. Interesting to note that the modifications were found to be safe by state investigators during a June 2 inspection.

At our company we have some parts where one company makes the metal part of it, another company makes the rubber part, while all we do is inspect it, repackage it, and ship it out; but were are still considered the mfg. of it.

Still think its a software issue. I was under the impression that the train did stop, but was then released out of its current zone.

[k5thbeatle]

WDW is basically a city the size of San Fran with a few hundred thousand people on property at any given time. How many deaths were reported in your hometown last year ?

Precisely! SUre it is sad when someone dies, especially so young, but it can and does happen...without anyone necessarily being at fault.

[PirateGirl]

I've been taking my family to Disney many times over the last 15 years from when the kids were babies right up to their teens, taking care with hydration & pace is VERY important! But even here in rainy old England we have our fair share of theme park fatalities. I feel awful for those families but you have to keep things in perspective. To be honest if I have to go I'd rather snuff it in a sunny Florida theme park than a hospital bed!
pirate: