Child Hit By Bus Outside of Fort Wilderness

[brittsmum1998]

yes, I believe the family is looking for a payout which - well. I understand in the moments of grief you can say anything, but really....come on.

I agree. Mourning is understandable, accusing someone (bus driver) of murder is another. I can't imagine how the driver is feeling right now.

 

[RitaZ.]

In their grief, they are accusing the company of lying. Sorry--death is not an excuse for such a harsh accusation.

The accident could happen to anyone--but blaming a bus for deliberately leaving the road to strike that "anyone" is a step above blaming the driver for not watching where he was going.

Sorry--I can't sit here and sympathize with someone essentially accusing the bus driver of murder.

I wouldn't nor couldn't expect them to look at this tragic situation objectively. Regardless of who is at fault, their child is dead. He isn't coming home. Imagine having to deal with that reality. It's obvious that the little boy was very loved.

The family gets a pass from me. Their thinking isn't clear nor logical right now. Both of their children have died in tragic accidents. I can't even begin to imagine the grief and hell they're going through right now.

 

[OceanAnnie]

I wouldn't nor couldn't expect them to look at this tragic situation objectively. Regardless of who is at fault, their child is dead. He isn't coming home. Imagine having to deal with that reality. It's obvious that the little boy was very loved.

The family gets a pass from me. Their thinking isn't clear nor logical right now. Both of their children have died in tragic accidents. I can't even begin to imagine the grief and hell they're going through right now.

I agree. They get a pass from me too. I wouldn't fault anyone for not being in their right mind after this.

 

[lillygator]

I wouldn't nor couldn't expect them to look at this tragic situation objectively. Regardless of who is at fault, their child is dead. He isn't coming home. Imagine having to deal with that reality. It's obvious that the little boy was very loved.

The family gets a pass from me. Their thinking isn't clear nor logical right now. Both of their children have died in tragic accidents. I can't even begin to imagine the grief and hell they're going through right now.

how did their other child die?


they may get a "pass' for the moment, but think of how the bus driver feels? and what he feels and them saying its his fault when clearly, it was not

eta, I am sure I would have many choice words if it were my child...but then at 9 they would not have been out alone. My eldest is 7 and she doesn't go biking without us

 

[Bluestars]

Once the family found out that there were witnesses who stated her son hit the bus, they should not have continued to say that the driver was responsible. Blaming an innocent person, who is probably sick with grief himself, is cruel.

 

[pilotwife_02]

The may get a pass for being angry and saying their son didn't do anything wrong.

They DON'T get a pass for blaming someone else for this accident. Imagine what this poor guy who didn't do anything wrong is already going through? Now imagine this family going all over the place adding to his guilt telling everyone that he IS in fact to blame - NOT COOL!!!

Anyway, may that poor child rest in peace.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

In their grief, they are accusing the company of lying. Sorry--death is not an excuse for such a harsh accusation.

The accident could happen to anyone--but blaming a bus for deliberately leaving the road to strike that "anyone" is a step above blaming the driver for not watching where he was going.

Sorry--I can't sit here and sympathize with someone essentially accusing the bus driver of murder.

I feel as though you and I read different articles, which of course is quite possible. I read the one linked above. I saw them saying that they weren't sure that the Florida Highway Patrol's (not the WDW company) preliminary findings may not have been accurate, that given what they know about their child, and what they saw at the accident site.

I didn't see anything in the quotes I read that implied that the driver was deliberate, which is what would make it murder.

As far as what they're asking -- here, it would be pretty much impossible for a child riding their bike on the sidewalk to "swerve" into the street -- there's curbs, and grass strips. It sounds like that wasn't the case there. In the article I read, the parents feel like that should be looked at.

I don't think accidents like this, are ever one person's fault, there are always many different factors. I know that if my child died in any manner, I'd want all of the factors investigated, not so I could sue, but so other children would be spared the same fate.

 

[diznygirl]

I feel as though you and I read different articles, which of course is quite possible. I read the one linked above. I saw them saying that they weren't sure that the Florida Highway Patrol's (not the WDW company) preliminary findings may not have been accurate, that given what they know about their child, and what they saw at the accident site.

I didn't see anything in the quotes I read that implied that the driver was deliberate, which is what would make it murder.

As far as what they're asking -- here, it would be pretty much impossible for a child riding their bike on the sidewalk to "swerve" into the street -- there's curbs, and grass strips. It sounds like that wasn't the case there. In the article I read, the parents feel like that should be looked at.

I don't think accidents like this, are ever one person's fault, there are always many different factors. I know that if my child died in any manner, I'd want all of the factors investigated, not so I could sue, but so other children would be spared the same fate.

Here's an article that is more clear:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/os-disney-bus-crash-20100402,0,7714886.story

From the article:


Family members said they blame Disney for the fatality, which took place about 1:35 p.m. Thursday on Big Pine Drive on Disney property, a two-lane road that served as the campground's main thoroughfare.

"They killed my son," mother Kelly Brubaker said.

 

[FireDancer]

As far as what they're asking -- here, it would be pretty much impossible for a child riding their bike on the sidewalk to "swerve" into the street -- there's curbs, and grass strips. It sounds like that wasn't the case there. In the article I read, the parents feel like that should be looked at.

No there isn't. If you look at the overhead photo of the crash site here (under the blue tent) you will see the walkway but directly up to the road. If it is anything like the walkways around here it may be a direct drop to the road so the curb rises from the road to the level of the sidewalk. It is not a barrier. At most the curb could rise a few inches which if hit could send someone over the cub into the bus

I ride on similar bike paths often and there is really never a guard rail unless it is the outside of a dangerous curve (close to 90 degrees). The curve shown in the photo is quite gradual and doesn't warrant a guard rail.

Unless the police change their theory of the accident Disney has no culpability in the accident. It just is what it is, an accident. As in all accidents that aren't acts of God there is someone at fault for it. In this case it appears the fault lies with the child and not the driver. If the family disputes the findings they should ask questions, not make (so far) unfounded accusations.

 

[MaumeeMom]

Once the family found out that there were witnesses who stated her son hit the bus, they should not have continued to say that the driver was responsible. Blaming an innocent person, who is probably sick with grief himself, is cruel.

This is how I feel too. I would give them a "pass" as someone called it for being angry but not for stating that Disney killed their son. In one interview they said that the bus drove over the curb. There is lots of evidence to the contrary but they do not want to hear it. Fine, they can be angry and in disbelief but do not go on TV and make outrageous statements. I know that I would not go on TV if I had just lost my child.

The more I see/hear from the family, the less sympathy I have for them. I really do feel sorry for the driver and witnesses - the victim's family seems to be in this for the long haul and I can see this going to court.

 

[mrsklamc]

One article said the grandmother was pointed to the nearly undamaged bicycle as evidence. I find that odd. Seems pretty clear to me that if the bus had hit the bicycle it should be more damaged.

 

[John VN]

No there isn't. If you look at the overhead photo of the crash site here (under the blue tent) you will see the walkway but directly up to the road. If it is anything like the walkways around here it may be a direct drop to the road so the curb rises from the road to the level of the sidewalk. It is not a barrier. At most the curb could rise a few inches which if hit could send someone over the cub into the bus

I ride on similar bike paths often and there is really never a guard rail unless it is the outside of a dangerous curve (close to 90 degrees). The curve shown in the photo is quite gradual and doesn't warrant a guard rail.

Unless the police change their theory of the accident Disney has no culpability in the accident. It just is what it is, an accident. As in all accidents that aren't acts of God there is someone at fault for it. In this case it appears the fault lies with the child and not the driver. If the family disputes the findings they should ask questions, not make (so far) unfounded accusations.

DW and I stay at FW often, 5 to 10 times per year. There are no curbs, only grass between road and walk and no drop offs. Many times I have bicycled past this spot and have thought to myself that there should be a barrier or the walk should be farther from the road. Grounds for a law suit, I do not know.

I have taught myself to ride the white line or close to it when riding on roads such as today on my 76 mile bicycle ride. Many, many adults and children weave back and forth when riding a bicycle. This is dangerous for the rider and upsetting for the driver of a vehicle.

 

[iwrbnd]

Calling someone a murderer or saying they killed your son are strong words! That implies premedition like the driver thought "Hey, I'm going to run into this kid for fun!" We all know that didn't happen. I feel sorry for the family but they need to watch it. Couldn't they get sued themselves for defamation or something like that?

 

[M5ward]

Anger is one of the early stages of grief. Obviously, that is where the family is now; it's only been one day. I think that a lot of what is being said is because they are angry and in pain. I have tremendous sympathy for the family; how horrible this must be for them. I also have great sympathy for the bus driver. From reports thus far, it seems pretty obvious that he was not at fault and accusations that he was cannot help the situation.
From looking at the pictures of the accident area, I can see how something like this could occur. Not all of the sidewalks where I live have grass verges between the sidewalk and the street; the sidewalks drops right off into the street. Unfortunately, kids, no matter how cautious and careful, sometimes lose focus or are distracted (just as adults are.)
This is a very tragic accident..no intent or deliberation on anyone's part..just an accident.
May God grant comfort and peace to all those involved.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

This is how I feel too. I would give them a "pass" as someone called it for being angry but not for stating that Disney killed their son. In one interview they said that the bus drove over the curb. There is lots of evidence to the contrary but they do not want to hear it. Fine, they can be angry and in disbelief but do not go on TV and make outrageous statements. I know that I would not go on TV if I had just lost my child.

The more I see/hear from the family, the less sympathy I have for them. I really do feel sorry for the driver and witnesses - the victim's family seems to be in this for the long haul and I can see this going to court.

I hope Disney fights any future lawsuit from this family AND fights it hard.

The more I read, the more I am appalled by this family's behavior.

Contrast it with Austin's mom when he was killed in a monorail accident. No press conferences--no rushed allegations. Waited for the investigation to proceed. And IMHO--she did rightfully sue as evidence was clearly pointing to Disney's error. But she wasn't all over the news claiming that Disney killed her son. It was an accident, there was fault. But grandstanding won't bring her son back. She's handling it as privately as she is able.

This family--seems real quick to rush to the cameras, real quick to proceed with their allegations.

I just don't think Disney should have to pay just to keep them quiet. What they are doing is very very very wrong. Their son made a mistake--that child did not SEE him first hand making that error. She just saw the results. She's as valid a witness as I am b/c she didn't see what he did. Even if she did--it happened so quick, that your memory will sometimes remember quite differently from what actually happened and clearly that 11yo is and will be traumatized by this incident for quite some time.

The bike not being mangled--it isn't going to be mangled if it didn't take a direct hit. If the boy had swerved do to his novice skills--he would have been likely leaning left and his body absorbed the impact of the bus. The bike can take more of that force and not get a scratch than a little boy can.

This family is delusional. It really makes me wonder the circumstances surrounding the death of their other son by drowning. If they never fully recovered from that and accept full, partial--or perhaps no blame, that likely is what is at play here.

If Disney is found by FHP to be 100% not at fault, any lawsuits should be fought very hard so that people for once are held accountable for their own actions.

It is a tragedy what happened to this boy. But that family has no right to say such hateful and false things about that driver.

 

[OceanAnnie]

We don't know exactly what happened, but I just saw this thread and I thought it was interesting. I don't know what the particulars were to the biking event that resulted in death, but according to this DISer, the driver did have an erratic driving history.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36102221#post36102221

I am completely taken aback right now. I just read the other thread on here about the OTHER Disney wreck that occurred today, when I saw the driver was 81 year old FRED, I was BLOWN AWAY! We encountered him during our trip this past summer and reported him. I am copying and pasting what I typed in our Trip Report about our horrible incident on Fred's bus:
What a WONDERFUL, PERFECT, OUTSTANDING, AMAZING,INCREDIBLE,FANTASTIC,SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICE XPIALIDOCIOUS DISNEY DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, at the parks that is, the magic ended when we got on the bus. We had a driver named Fred. He was driving so fast he ramped 3 curbs even after people told him to slow down. One time he ramped one a kids head nailed the window and he started crying and screaming. He took off at one point and shut the door when people were standing up trying to exit the bus and they almost all fell over like dominos. At this point Tim and another guys said “hey, DUDE, you have people trying to get off back here and you’re taking off and they are falling down, open your eyes!” To which he said “You want to drive the bus buddy!!!” Oh man, our blood was boiling. At one point he came back to the unload a wheelchair which was right by us and Tim and the other guy calmly said “you need to slow down, you have kids hitting windows, people falling down, you are ramping curbs left and right” the guy got angry and defensive and kept saying “well, then you drive the bus! I’ve been driving longer than you’ve been living! I ramp curbs all the time, it’s no big deal, that ‘s what happens in these buses, everyone ramps the curbs.” GEEZ. The other guy kept saying “don’t argue with guests please Fred” but he kept it up.(bare in mind this was just a DAY after the monorail accident you would think Fred would be taking public transportation safety a little more seriously) Well, we were a LITTLE fired up by the time we got back to Saratoga and Tim and the guy headed to the front desk with the bus number and Fred’s name to report him. They did seem to take the complaint very seriously so I’m hoping Fred is no longer driving Disney buses. While Tim and the guy were up complaining about Fred the bus driver from hell the kids and I grabbed some snacks at Springs. Then we all walked back to the room and sack around 11pm.


CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT!?!?! I am absolutely appauled that Disney allowed him to drive at the age of 81 and with reports like ours. I am PRAYING that this accident today will finally show Disney they need to fire this horrible excuse for a Disney employee or these accidents will just keep occuring!
Lesley

------------------------------------------

That post made me pause.

ETA- It appears it wasn't the same driver. But it still makes one wonder if there might be more to this particular story if there are drivers like this working for Disney.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I believe that Fred was driving another bus that hit a van today--I'm not sure, but I did just see a thread about a 2nd driving accident this week. I don't believe it is the same driver involved in the Fort Wilderness accident.

And if it isn't--just b/c Fred hasn't been terminated has no weight in regards to the accident with the boy. If grandma and mom are using it as proof--it is a travesty!

 

[OceanAnnie]

I believe that Fred was driving another bus that hit a van today--I'm not sure, but I did just see a thread about a 2nd driving accident this week. I don't believe it is the same driver involved in the Fort Wilderness accident.

And if it isn't--just b/c Fred hasn't been terminated has no weight in regards to the accident with the boy. If grandma and mom are using it as proof--it is a travesty!

We don't know all of the particulars. The grandmother stated the girl the boy was riding with kept saying they were on the sidewalk. Now, if I heard that I'd want a thorough investigation too.

ETA- I think Fred was driving a different bus.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

We don't know all of the particulars. The grandmother stated the girl the boy was riding with kept saying they were on the sidewalk. Now, if I heard that I'd want a thorough investigation too.

ETA- I think Fred was driving a different bus.

True--but they aren't waiting for the investigation. Their 11yo is their star witness and the 11yo has been id'd as riding in front of the boy and turning her head to see that he had been hit--no visual on how though.

FHP is investigating and I wouldn't expect any less.

No we don't know all the particulars, but wanting an investigation and declaring Disney killed the boy--very two different things.

As I said--even Austin's mom wasn't giving press conferences and tossing accusations about her boy--and even then it was pointing to some fatal error of negligence on the part of Disney (and later found by OSHA to be the case).

 

[FireDancer]

DW and I stay at FW often, 5 to 10 times per year. There are no curbs, only grass between road and walk and no drop offs. Many times I have bicycled past this spot and have thought to myself that there should be a barrier or the walk should be farther from the road. Grounds for a law suit, I do not know.

I have taught myself to ride the white line or close to it when riding on roads such as today on my 76 mile bicycle ride. Many, many adults and children weave back and forth when riding a bicycle. This is dangerous for the rider and upsetting for the driver of a vehicle.

76 miles, sounds like a good ride. I know what you mean about people weaving around. I know too many cyclists that get hurt because of a lack of concentration. I try to stay 100% focused on the ride when I'm on my bike and don't daydream or allow myself to get distracted.

We don't know all of the particulars. The grandmother stated the girl the boy was riding with kept saying they were on the sidewalk. Now, if I heard that I'd want a thorough investigation too.

ETA- I think Fred was driving a different bus.

Just to reiterate that Fred was involved in a completely different accident that involved no injuries or fatalities. If the driver of the bus involved in the cycling accident was driving erratically or irresponsibly none of the passengers seemed to indicate that to the police.