A tragic incident occurred at Disneyland on the evening of October 6th when a woman in her 60s suffered a medical emergency while on the Haunted Mansion ride. KTLA reports that Anaheim Fire & Rescue were dispatched to the scene around 6:30 p.m. after the woman's ride vehicle returned to the unloading area and she was found unresponsive. Despite efforts from Disneyland security performing CPR and the quick arrival of paramedics, the woman was pronounced dead after being transported to a local hospital.
The identity of the woman has not been disclosed and the official cause of death is pending determination by the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office. Responding to KTLA, Sgt. Matt Sutter of the Anaheim Police Department stated that no response was received from the representative in time for publication, highlighting the sense of urgency and concern that enveloped the theme park following the incident.
Further confirming the details of the event, Entertainment Weekly was told by a representative for the Anaheim Police Department that "Anaheim Fire & Rescue responded to the Disneyland Resort for an unresponsive woman in her 60s who had just finished riding the Haunted Mansion attraction." The woman was then transported to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased.
Details surrounding the exact circumstances of the woman's medical emergency are scarce. According to TMZ, it’s unclear at which point during the ride she lost consciousness or if someone else accompanied her, adding to the mystery of the unfortunate occurrence. The cause of death is speculated to be a heart attack, pending official confirmation, with no indications of foul play, said the Anaheim police.
This incident follows a separate fatal event when a man died after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida. That death was reported to be due to "multiple blunt impact injuries," according to the Orange-Osceola chief medical examiner.
On social media, tributes and condolences have been shared, with one from "Disney Scoop Guy" Matt Desmond expressing sympathy for the deceased's family on the sorrowful occasion. The Haunted Mansion, recognized as one of Disneyland's iconic attractions, has captivated guests since its opening in 1969 and continues to attract visitors with its Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay, themed after "The Nightmare Before Christmas" since 2001.
