Authorities have confirmed that a woman in her 60s died after riding the Haunted Mansion attraction at Disneyland on Monday evening, October 6.
According to Sgt. Matt Sutter of the Anaheim Police Department, “Disneyland security personnel provided CPR until paramedics arrived.”
Anaheim Fire & Rescue responded around 6:30 p.m., and the woman was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
The Orange County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office will determine her official cause of death.
Officials have not released her identity, and there is no indication of any issue with the ride’s operation. The Haunted Mansion reopened shortly afterward.
The Haunted Mansion is one of Disney’s most beloved attractions — opened in 1969 and cherished by generations of families
. Its seasonal Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay, inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas, is a highlight for many guests each year.
Disney has confirmed that medical teams responded immediately, and that CPR was begun by their on site staff while paramedics made their way to the attraction.
This loss comes only weeks after another tragic news story from the theme park world — the death of a guest at Universal’s Epic Universe after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster.
Authorities there later confirmed that the rider suffered fatal injuries, and whilst the ride has now reopened, this is now the subject of litigation.
Related: Death at Epic Universe
Both incidents, while unrelated, serve as sobering reminders that unexpected emergencies can happen even in places built to bring happiness.
Our deepest condolences go to the woman’s family, her loved ones, and to everyone touched by this loss.
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.