A 49 year old woman died on Wednesday after riding Mission: Space, a Graviton-style ride at Walt Disney World’s Epcot theme park. The woman, a tourist from Germany, complained of dizziness and nausea after riding the attraction. She was then transported to Florida Hospital Celebration Health. While there, her conditioned worsened and, on Wednesday, Disney officials were notified of her passing.
Though it is possible that the guest, who remains unidentified at this time, suffered from high blood pressure, authorities are still unsure of what exactly caused the death. State officials examined the ride and concluded that the ride was operating properly.
The ride, when looked at as a bare-bones operation, resembles the gravity riders at your local fair. This centrifuge spins on its axis, giving the impression of being launched into space as it emulates the gravity strains associated with such a journey. While spinning, guests embark on a space journey through the aid of a simulative film displayed before them. Many warnings throughout the ride queue specify that riders who suffer from such ailments as heart, back, & neck problems as well as high blood pressure and motion sickness are encouraged not to ride. Of course, those who are pregnant and are under the recommended height requirements are requested to pass on the ride as well.
Last year, a 4 year old boy, Daudi Bamuwamye, collapsed and later died while riding the attraction. It was determined later that Bamuwamye suffered from a rare heart condition that had gone undetected. While it is estimated that some 8 million guests have ridden the attraction safely since its debut, Disney did take the initiative to add motion sickness bags after the attraction had opened due to an increasing number of guests feeling nauseated on the attraction.
As for now, the attraction remains open as no ride malfunction has been detected by state officials. Disney has since released a written statement stating their main concern is for the deceased guest’s family. “We offer them our deepest sympathies and assistance during this difficult time.” The Disney official stated. You can learn more about the attraction by visiting the Mission: Space page at waltdisneyworld.com.