Another Death at Disney

Contact a Personal Injury Lawsuit Lawyer

June 30th, 2006

"death at disneyland"

A young boy died yesterday after riding the Rock ‘n'' Roller Coaster at the Disney MGM theme park in Florida, marking the ninth death at Disney World since 2003.

Michael Russell, a 12-year-old boy from Fort Campbell, Kentucky, was limp when the minute-long ride ended. His father, Byron Russell, pulled him off the ride and performed CPR until paramedics arrived on the scene.

An ambulance transported the boy to a hospital where he was pronounced dead, although the cause of death was not immediately known.

Park officials closed the ride and notified state park safety authorities. The sheriff''s office was conducting an investigation at the scene.

According to theme park consultant David Spiegel, the ride “is not considered an ultra, ultra high-thrill coaster.”

More than a dozen people have died at Disney theme parks since 1989, two of which have occurred in the last 12 months. Those deaths have sparked some controversy over another ride – Epcot''s “Mission: Space,” which simulates a flight to Mars by subjecting riders to twice the normal force of gravity.

While some of the deaths have been attributed to preexisting health conditions, the boy''s parents said he was “a very healthy child.”

If you or a loved one has suffered injury at a theme park, you may wish to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you understand your legal rights.