Cast Member Tragedy at Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular

WDWNT Author on August 18, 2009

Yet another unfortunate story from the Orlando Sentinel:

A Walt Disney World cast member is dead after an accident this evening at Hollywood Studios.

The accident took place during a rehearsal for the ” Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular.” The stunt performer was doing a tumbling roll after 7 p.m. when he was hurt. He was transported to the hospital and has since died.

“We lost a valued cast member and our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family as we mourn his passing,” said Disney spokeswoman Zoraya Suarez.

The name of the performer has not been released.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration as well and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office have been contacted. The Sheriff’s office is investigating.

Disney Cast Member Passes Away Monday From Thursday Fall

WDWNT Author on August 11, 2009

Some unfortunate news coming from the Orlando Sentinel:

A performer at Walt Disney World died Monday, days after he was injured during a show at the Magic Kingdom.

Mark Priest was performing Thursday in a “Pirate Tutorial,” an interactive show in which actors lead guests through a series of “pirate skills” tests. Priest fell and broke his neck, according to colleagues, and he had been hospitalized since the accident.

Disney said it was not given any indication that the injuries Priest suffered in the initial accident were life-threatening. But the resort said it contacted both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office after learning of his death.

“Today, we are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our fellow cast member,” Disney spokeswoman Kim Prunty said. “Our hearts go out to his family and fellow cast members, and we are offering our support to them during this difficult time.”

A deputy sheriff is being sent to Disney this evening to take an initial report on the incident, spokeswoman Cpl. Susan Soto said.

Our prayers go out to the family and friends of the cast member.

More Details on Monorail Accident

WDWNT Author on July 5, 2009

From the Orlando Sentinel:

Two Walt Disney World monorail trains collided early Sunday morning, killing the operator of one of the trains.

Walt Disney World spokesman Mike Griffin said the crash happened at about 2 a.m. Sunday, on one of the monorail’s last runs of the day.

Austin Wenneberg, 21, a Disney employee who was piloting one of the monorails died at the scene of the accident, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said. One other employee was transported to Florida Hospital Celebration. The second driver’s injuries were not serious, Griffin said.

WESH.com photos of the scene: http://www.wesh.com/slideshow/news/19956082/detail.html
ClickOrlando.com video, shot by a guest: http://www.clickorlando.com/video/19956043/index.html
WPTV.com photo of crash: http://www.wptv.com/Photo.aspx?content_id=0c8c0e15-cdc9-488b-9f03-a72f43ccef1a

The trains were transporting guests leaving Epcot. Six park guests were on the train during the crash, and were evaluated by paramedics at the scene according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

According to park schedules, Epcot closed Saturday at 10 p.m.

The wreck is the first fatal accident in the Walt Disney World monorail system’s almost 38-year history, according to CFNews13.com. However, at Disneyland in California, there has been at least one death on the monorail system, according to park historians.

Walt Disney World officials said they are working with law enforcement officials to find out what happened.

“Our heart goes out to the cast member and the family,” Griffin said.

Epcot is scheduled to open on time at 9 a.m. today, but the monorail to the park will not be in service, according to a Walt Disney World spokeswoman.

Walt Disney World released the following statement from Griffin regarding the incident:

“Today, we mourn the loss of our fellow cast member. Our hearts go out to his family and to those who have lost a friend and co-worker. The safety of our guests and cast members is always our top priority. The monorail is out of service and we will continue to work closely with law enforcement to determine what happened and the approximate next steps.”

Check back for updates.