A woman died earlier this week while on a Disneyland ride, and the public is unlikely to learn the cause of death despite concern following the incident.
On Monday (October 6), a woman in her 60s died as she suffered a ‘medical episode’ while riding on a popular Disneyland attraction.
The incident happened while the woman was riding on the Haunted Mansion ride, one of the park’s oldest rides, though it is not considered particularly extreme compared to the many other rollercoasters and attractions at the park.
Visitors drift through dimly lit rooms filled with ghostly projections and theatrical effects, and ultimately, the ride has a reputation of having a gentle pace, eerie atmosphere, and family-friendly design.
However, on Monday, staff recognized there was an issue when the ride ended, as the 60 year-old woman was unresponsive and emergency services were then called around 6:30 pm local time.
Guests sit in these 'doom buggies' for the ride (MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images) Before paramedics arrived, staff are also believed to have performed CPR on the woman. The visitor was then transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after.
Not long after, the Anaheim Police Department released a brief statement about the death.
They said: “This appears to be an unfortunate medical episode, and our thoughts go out to the family.”
They also clarified at the time there was no indication of any operation issue with the attraction, which reopened soon after.
Disneyland has not yet issued an official statement or comment on the incident, and the woman’s cause of death is not known at this time.
Reports have indicated that the cause of death will not be revealed as the public information officer for the Anaheim Police Department, Matt Sutter, confirmed that the Orange County Sheriff's Coroner's office did not take custody of the body after the woman’s death.
A statement confirmed that there was no issue with the ride itself despite the incident (Jeff Gritchen/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images) This means that an autopsy will not be completed.
According to a People report, the representative noted that this indicates a doctor signed-off on a death certificate, and the family has made their own arrangements to gain custody of the body.
Currently themed around The Nightmare Before Christmas for the Halloween and festive season, the Haunted Mansion continues to be described on Disneyland’s website as a 'slow-moving' ride that is suitable for children. The park’s site notes that 'the ride itself is gentle, but young children may be frightened by the special effects'.