After Boy's Fatal Fall in Fla., Dollywood Closing Its Own Tower Ride

[Robert59]

Tennessee theme park's tower drop ride is made by same manufacturer

After the tragic death of a 14-year-old who fell from the OrlandoFreeFall ride at Florida's ICON Park, Dollywood is closing its own tower drop ride temporarily. The Tennessee theme park's 20-story Drop Line was developed by the same manufacturer as the Orlando ride, CNN reports. "Although Dollywood does not have the specific ride involved in this tragic incident, the safety of our guests is our top priority," says the park's public relations director. "Out of an abundance of caution, and until further details about the accident at ICON Park are known, we have temporarily closed Drop Line."

https://www.newser.com/story/318601/after-boys-fatal-fall-dollywood-closing-similar-ride.html

 

[Michael Z]

He obviously was not secured. Sounds like he was too big for the restraints. They need to test out the restraint system on someone the same size to see what might have happened.

 

[Judycat]

I do we really need to drop ourselves 20 stories to have fun?

 

[Fyrefox]

It’s curious, but people seem to demand thrill rides that drop them suddenly or rocket them sideways and upside down at high speeds, all while expecting to be kept perfectly safe. Amusement parks compete to have the most “extreme” coasters. Even if perfectly secured, it may not be advisable to throw thrill ride forces on your body if you have physical or psychological issues. Just give me a nice Ferris Wheel or ski lift, thank you…

 

[Pappy]

Todays news on our local station is, he was over weight and much to heavy for the ride limit. That ride operator has got some explaining to do.

 

[Michael Z]

When things go bad on these thrill rides, they go really bad. I guess there is good reason to quite scared when riding them.

 

[Jeni]

Todays news on our local station is, he was over weight and much to heavy for the ride limit. That ride operator has got some explaining to do.

I read he was over 6 foot and 340 pounds ..... was turned away from several rides according to his dad...
I know it is not popular but theme parks etc have to say sorry you are too big........ just like they say people that do not reach the height requirement are too small ......

 

[Don M.]

Todays news on our local station is, he was over weight and much to heavy for the ride limit. That ride operator has got some explaining to do.

This kid was obviously far too fat for this ride. However, the ride operators probably thought that they would be sued for "discrimination" if they refused to allow him on the ride. Instead, the parents now will probably be suing for his death....instead of their being charged with Child Neglect for allowing him to become so Obese.

 

[Alligatorob]

Always amazes me that accidents of this kind are not more common. I think they used to be, ride safety is pretty good.

do we really need to drop ourselves 20 stories to have fun?

Apparently some do... I have lived a pretty happy life so far and will probably make it to the end without this experience.

 

[StarSong]

This kid was obviously far too fat for this ride. However, the ride operators probably thought that they would be sued for "discrimination" if they refused to allow him on the ride. Instead, the parents now will probably be suing for his death....instead of their being charged with Child Neglect for allowing him to become so Obese.

That's a lot of speculation. Chances are the operators of this particular ride didn't have oversize limits, only "under height" restrictions.

 

[Jeni]

Always amazes me that accidents of this kind are not more common. I think they used to be, ride safety is pretty good.

It is a shift in customers attitude not safety protocols IMO .....

I have gone to many theme parks and rides that have limits the staff rarely enforce..
One close to me water park has a huge slide to go down and sign ride has a weight limit .....
looking at the line anyone can tell you many ignored sign.
staff only turned away the MOST obvious.... which was often a scene and fight etc..... screaming discrimination etc.

so staff looks the other way and puts all in danger if the slide really can not handle that weight what makes others feel safe that repeated overweight did not weaken the structure.

Rules of keep your hands in the ride/ do not lean over / do not undo your seat belt etc is openly ignored...... But IF something happens it is all the parks fault......
This is a tragedy and i wish he did not fall .... even his dad said he was UNABLE to ride several attractions because his size .....
The operator will have to live with this for the rest of their lives ........ and if he or she should have said "sorry, you are too big"
big payouts from insurance and no one is ever the same perhaps they will enforce size rules now.

 

[Packerjohn]

I am not for these thrill rides and I never was. My theory is that many urbanites lead a rather sedantary, boring lifestyle and for some reason need these rides for thrills, to be scared or just something to do. The same for those large monster cruise ships that have climbing walls, bungee jumping or zip lines. It seems that a certain segment of our society it is not enough to go on a cruise, see the islands, use the swimming pools, enjoy the meals, see the shows, etc. but they need to be "challenged" or they need to get some sort of thrill. I think this is a sad reflection on our TV/smartphone but boring society. My suggestion is that if you want real excitement and a real challenge, take a trip to Ukraine, get a gun and fight those Russians. I guarantee you will not be bored. You might even get shot or blown up. Wouldn't take be exciting? Think of all photos you could put on Facebook or twitter.

 

[helenbacque]

A layman's read on the mechanics of the ride as appeared in the morning paper ..... apparently at some point it relied on magnets? Weight limits would be crucial.

 

[Remy]

Probably making the right decision. I thought myself that this young man was probably too big to safely be seated in that ride. And he should not have been allowed in the ride.

 

[oldman]

Probably making the right decision. I thought myself that this young man was probably too big to safely be seated in that ride. And he should not have been allowed in the ride.

Yeah, I don’t know if he couldn’t use the restraints or if he released them because they may have been uncomfortable.