Woman Falls from Roller Coaster, Dies
A woman has died after having been thrown from The Texas Giant at Six Flags Over Texas Friday night.
According to official statements, the woman died of “multiple traumatic injuries due to a fall from roller coaster.” The Tarrant County Medical Examiner has listed her time of death as 7 p.m. The manner of death was determined as an accident.
52-year-old Dallas resident Rosa Ayala-Goana died on her very first visit to Six Flags with her family. Before the ride started, Ayala-Goana reportedly asked the attendants to check her restraints, but was reassured by the attendant that if she heard a “click”, she was in the car safely. Moments after the ride began, that statement proved to be inaccurate.
Six Flags has announced that its hybrid wood and steel roller coaster, the Texas Giant, will remain closed until Six Flags finishes its investigation. According to park officials, this investigation could last for several months. Gerstlauer Amusement Rides, the German firm which manufactured the Giant’s cars, has sent its own team of investigators to Texas to assist in any way possible with the investigation of the accident. The police of Arlington are leaving the investigation to Six Flags and Gerstlauer officials.
Six Flags’ Chairman Jim Reid-Anderson said in a statement on Monday morning the amusement park operator will have no further comment on the incident until after Six Flags and Gerstlauer’s investigations have concluded.
In a conference call Reid-Anderson stated: “We’ve been here throughout the weekend to support our team as we work through this tragic event. Utilizing both internal and external experts we are investigating the cause of the accident, and until that process is complete with have no additional information to share with you about the incident. The ride has been closed. And you can rest assured that it will remain closed until we are certain that it is safe to ride.
“Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family and we are providing them support as best as we can. We ask that you keep the guest’s family in your prayers.”
Fairs, theme and amusement parks are all meant to be places to have fun, thrills and excitement for the whole family. Whether you crave the thrills of the roller coaster, or just want something calmer such as a Ferris wheel so you can enjoy the view, you trust that safety has been assured for your visit. No one ever expects that there may be an accident or injury while they are having fun, until it actually occurs.
Park owners and operators have an obligation to insure the safety of their visitors and rides are generally routinely checked at least once if not several times per day in order to reduce the risk of accidents from happening. If the owners or operators neglect their responsibility, the worst can happen. Injuries from roller coasters or other amusement rides, falls from dangerous heights, water park accidents, as well as slips and falls inside the park can be just a few of the factors in amusement and theme park accidents.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an accident at an amusement park, theme park, fair or other midway park, give our offices a call. Serious injuries and even death can result from amusement rides such as back and neck injuries, falls, head trauma and even fatal blunt force trauma. Medical expenses, long term recovery and physical therapy, pain and suffering as well as other medical or funeral expenses can mount up. When you call our legal office, we will match you with an attorney who can go over the details of your case and give you advice on how to proceed with your case. We have years of experience in the Texas courts and have successfully represented clients in their claims. We are here to help. Your initial consultation with our legal offices is at no cost to you.
