Authorities in Florida have confirmed that a third person has died at on Walt Disney World property within just ten days.
According to multiple reportsthe most recent tragedy occurred on Thursday, October 23 2025, at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Bay Lake Tower was a later addition to the Contemporary Resort which was the first Disney World resort opened in 1971. The resort is just steps away from Magic Kingdom.
A Sudden Death at the Contemporary Resort Bay Lake Tower
The most recent incident occurred on October 23, 2025, again at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, making it the third death connected to Walt Disney World within a ten?day period.
The Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the man as Matthew Cohn, though the official cause of death has not yet been released.
aiotfamily/tiktok
Officials from the Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office told TMZ:
“We are still in the process of completing our exams.”
Video shared on TikTok showed a heavy law enforcement presence and the pool area taped off near Bay Lake Tower, the newer wing connected to the Contemporary?Resort.
Guests staying at nearby rooms in Bay Lake Tower — the modern Disney Vacation Club addition connected to the Contemporary — described waking to find emergency lights flashing and parts of the pool area cordoned off by police tape.
Law enforcement classified the situation as a medical emergency, and there has been no indication of foul play or suspicious circumstances.
Many Disney regulars know the Contemporary Resort as one of the most distinctive properties on the entire Walt Disney World site.
The picture below is from one of my recent stays at Bay Lake Tower, where the incident occurred. This picture is taken from my balcony and seems to show the area which was cordoned off by police.
It opened alongside the Magic Kingdom in October 1971, serving as one of the very first hotels built under Walt’s original vision for a futuristic family resort.
Its striking A frame design allows the Monorail to glide directly through the center of the hotel — an image that remains one of the most iconic views in Disney history.
A String of Tragic Incidents
Sadly, this marks the third death across Disney?World resorts in less than two weeks.
On October 14, tragedy first struck the Disney community when Summer Equitz, a 31 year old former Disneyland cast member from Illinois, was found dead at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Summer had been a lifelong Disney fan who once worked as a performer and entertainment host at Disneyland in California.
She had traveled to Florida on a solo visit, a trip she reportedly planned quietly without sharing her intentions with loved ones.
Friends and family later shared that Summer had recently welcomed a baby girl earlier in the year and had been navigating some of the emotional challenges that often follow pregnancy.
Those close to her described her as creative, optimistic, and devoted to her family.
The incident was ultimately determined to be a suicide.
Just a week later, on October 21, another guest — a man in his sixties staying with his wife at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground — died after a sudden medical emergency in his cabin.
His wife reportedly found him unresponsive that morning and sought help immediately.
Emergency responders arrived quickly and began lifesaving efforts before transporting him to a nearby hospital. Sadly, he did not recover.
Officials later confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death, describing it as a natural and unexpected medical event.
Investigation Ongoing
Law?enforcement sources confirmed that no criminal activity is suspected in Thursday’s death, and investigators are continuing medical examinations.
One TikTok commenter wrote, “We woke up to a very large law enforcement presence outside our balcony this morning. Prayers to the family and those involved.”
Haunted Mansion Death at Disneyland
In a separate but unrelated incident earlier this month it was reported that a woman in her 60s died after riding the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland Park in California.
She was found unresponsive as her vehicle returned to the loading area and was later pronounced dead despite medical assistance on scene.
Tragedy as Woman Dies at Haunted Mansion
A Difficult Month for the Disney Community
While Disney World has not released an official statement, longtime visitors and fans online have expressed deep condolences for the families involved.
The Contemporary Resort, famous for its mid century design and monorail gliding through the atrium, is one of Walt Disney?World’s signature hotels — a nostalgic favorite since the resort opened in 1971.
Tragic events like these are extremely rare at Disney World, which welcomes tens of millions of guests each year. Still, multiple incidents within such a short time frame have understandably drawn widespread attention.
Our thoughts are with the families are friends of all those involved.
Support Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available 24/7:
- USA: Call or text 988 or visit?988lifeline.org
- UK?&?ROI: Samaritans?–?call?116?123?or?email?jo@samaritans.org
- Worldwide:?Visit?www.befrienders.org?to?locate an international helpline.
Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando. In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.