Boy Injured After Falling 30 Feet From Ride

This past Friday afternoon, a 12 year old boy fell 30 feet from the water log ride at Castles N’ Coasters, located in the Phoenix, AZ area. The boy is in critical condition at the Phoenix area Children’s Hospital and is in a medically-induced coma after receiving two hours of surgery on his brain, according to his family.

The accident happened while the boy was reportedly trying to get off the ride while it was in motion. Police are saying the guest stood up for unknown reasons and after which he got his foot caught and the ride dragged him and then he fell into the water. The boy’s family says he hit his head on the bars on the way down into the water. They also say the boy may never be the same again and he’ll likely get better in up to 18 months.

There are conflicting accounts from the park guests and park management of how the accident occurred. The family states the boy was crying out for help but was ignored as we was seated, waving his hands and yelling “I’m sliding!“. The general manager for the park states “We have multiple people who witnessed the boy stand up at the last second and try to get out of the boat at the top of the ride“. The statement continued: “The operator at the top of the ride was able to have communication with the boy before the incident and the boy said he was “ok” and to not stop the ride.“

The park management went on to release a statement that read in part:

“We at Castles N’ Coasters are devastated by this unfortunate incident, and our sincere condolences and prayers go out to this young boy and his family……… We have an impeccable safety record, one of the best in the industry. We hold regularly scheduled Safety Meetings on all of our rides which are meticulously inspected on a daily basis before the public is allowed to participate on any ride.“.

Regardless of which side of the story that actually happened, it is a big reminder about public safety for all theme park guests. There’s plenty of ways for fans to read up on the procedures parks have on safety rules and regulations. In light of the fatality at Cedar Point this summer, paying attention to park warnings and knowing how to ride safe is very important. We send our best wishes and thoughts to the boy and his family during this difficult time.

Stay connected with Coaster Nation!

facebook: facebook.com/coasternation

twitter: @Coaster_Nation

Subscribe on YouTube!

www.CoasterNation.com