WDW cast member killed

[plutojudy]

This is too sad. My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. Sounds like he was a wonderful person and will be missed. I feel terrible.

 

[jlawall]

Thx for sharing that article.....it's so sad.....best wishes to his mom and family for comfort in this difficult time....we are all here for you..............

 

[Talking Hands]

How sad. I foundly remember how Pluto teased the interpreter during the parade my last visit. Really made me laugh. He had to be a very special guy. My prayers for his family and the CMs who knew him.

 

[GeneralMax]

Thoughts and prayers go out to Libertybelle, all CM's, and the family and friends of this special person. What a sad event at such a happy place!! It reminds you that life is short so remember to tell those you love that you love them.

 

[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.

 

[Minnie Mare]

I can only imagine how painful it must have been for them and I give them a great deal of respect. My thoughts and prayers are with Javier, his family and friends. This is so very very tragic.

 

[eye R.N.]

How difficult this must be for the CM's. What true professionals. My sympathies to all who are suffering.

 

[shefor24]

I read this post when it first hit the boards, and I guess I am just not understanding WHY it killed him? I mean I really don't want to be disgusting here, but I am just saying from what I remember of the floats they are pretty close to the ground, why couldn't they stop the float when it happened- you know what I mean? I am sure someone has an explaination, but I would like to hear it. I just feel so sad for his family.....his kids......gosh, that is too bad. I guess I am just saying WHY did it kill him? Not to go into details, but did it crush, or did it run over, or what? I am kinda suprised it has never happened before if it was that easy to KILL someone..... so sad..... All becasue he tripped??? Scarry, what IF it would have been a little kid out on the Main Street who ran out in front of it and tripped.....what if!! I just can't believe there was no stop on this. I known its all done electronically (?), but still.....

 

[eye R.N.]

OK, I'm thinking back to my behind the scenes tour. Float drivers are rated to drive certain floats, just like truck drivers. The princess snow globe float because it is so large and difficult to drive has the highest rating. That might of had something to do with it.

 

[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...

 

[LibertyBelle]

Originally posted by shefor24
I just can't believe there was no stop on this. I known its all done electronically (?), but still.....

This was an unfortunate accident that happend backstage, please keep that in mind. On the parade route there are Parade audience control cast members that have their eyes peeled for those people that are running in front of the floats. People wonder why the parade audience control cast member are so rude...people wonder why they get yelled at when they run in front of a float, people complain to city hall all the time because they were told they could not stand somewhere along the parade route. The day after this accident occured I actually watched a man dart right out in front of a float beacuse "he was trying to exit the park and the parade was in his way" common sense folks... Having worked in MK for 8 years I can tell you 9 times out of 10 it is an adult that is running in front of a float...not a child.

Sorry, tangent, the parade floats are not electronically controlled (the only electronic sensor is to que the music so that it matches where the float is.) The float itself is being driven by a Cast Member...As was stated the drivers start on small floats and work their way up. The Princess float is the largest and most difficult so only the very expereinced are able to drive that (we are talking LOTS of years expereince under their belt...10 years plus in most cases). The floats are also equipped with emergency stop buttons on them so any of the walking CM's can stop the float immediatly if something were to happen on the parade route. The incident with Javier was a freak accident, it happened so fast that there was nothing that could be done. He was still backstage in an area where they are trained safety. Let's just keep all this in mind next time we are waiting for the parade and a CM says "Please stay up on the curb" or "I'm sorry this is not a parade viewing area" they are watching out for your safety not trying to ruin your day.

 

[LibertyBelle]

WDHatter just posted this on another thread...

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.

 

[DMS_cruisers04]

bump

 

[rae519]

Originally posted by LibertyBelle
"In lieu of flowers, the family of Javier Cruz has requested that donations be given in his memory to the Children's Miracle Network.

What gracious people to have realized that he loved children and his memory would best be served by helping them.

God bless all,
Rae