GrinGrinnyGhosts
Mouseketeer/VB Programmer In Training
- Joined
- Apr 29, 2006
- Messages
- 489
this is a sad news story ORLANDO, Fla. -- A 12-year-old boy died after riding a roller coaster at Disney-MGM Studios on Thursday.
In a statement, Disney officials said the boy was transported by ambulance to Celebration Hospital at about 11:30 after riding the Rock 'N' Roller Coaster, WESH 2 News reported.
Michael Russell died at the hospital, officials said.
Russell and his family were visiting from Fort Campbell, Ky., which is about 45 miles northwest of Nashville, Tenn. An autopsy has been scheduled for Friday.
"We offer the family our deepest sympathies. A company representative is with them providing assistance," spokesman Jacob DiPietre said.
The roller coaster is closed pending an investigation, and officials said an initial review of the attraction shows the ride was operating normally.
Disney has notified Orange County law enforcement and the state Bureau of Fair Rides Inspection about the boy's death.
Since 2002, no other incidents concerning the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster have been reported to the state Bureau of Fair Rides.
The ride, which opened in 1999, features a high-speed launch that catapults each "Limotrain" to 57 mph in 2.8 seconds. (Click on the fact sheet above for more details about the roller coaster).
In the past year, two people died shortly after riding Mission: Space at Epcot. On June 13, 2005, Daudi Bamuwamye, 4, died after going on the ride. An autopsy found he had a pre-existing heart condition.
On April 12, 2006, a 49-year-old woman visiting from Germany died one day after riding Mission: Space
In a statement, Disney officials said the boy was transported by ambulance to Celebration Hospital at about 11:30 after riding the Rock 'N' Roller Coaster, WESH 2 News reported.
Michael Russell died at the hospital, officials said.
Russell and his family were visiting from Fort Campbell, Ky., which is about 45 miles northwest of Nashville, Tenn. An autopsy has been scheduled for Friday.
"We offer the family our deepest sympathies. A company representative is with them providing assistance," spokesman Jacob DiPietre said.
The roller coaster is closed pending an investigation, and officials said an initial review of the attraction shows the ride was operating normally.
Disney has notified Orange County law enforcement and the state Bureau of Fair Rides Inspection about the boy's death.
Since 2002, no other incidents concerning the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster have been reported to the state Bureau of Fair Rides.
The ride, which opened in 1999, features a high-speed launch that catapults each "Limotrain" to 57 mph in 2.8 seconds. (Click on the fact sheet above for more details about the roller coaster).
In the past year, two people died shortly after riding Mission: Space at Epcot. On June 13, 2005, Daudi Bamuwamye, 4, died after going on the ride. An autopsy found he had a pre-existing heart condition.
On April 12, 2006, a 49-year-old woman visiting from Germany died one day after riding Mission: Space
