A 54-year-old man died after suffering a heart attack while riding the iconic It's a Small World attraction at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The incident occurred on April 24, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. The tourist, who reportedly had a pre-existing health condition, experienced cardiac arrest during the 10-minute boat ride and was transported to a hospital, where he later died.
Details of the Incident
The man was visiting the Magic Kingdom park when he fell ill on the attraction, which has been operating since 1971. The ride takes guests on a journey through seven continents, featuring animatronic figures and scenes representing various nations. Disney's website describes it as a "whimsical boat ride past a jubilant chorus of children from around the globe."
This is the second fatality on the same ride; in 2014, a 22-year-old woman also died on It's a Small World, and she too had a pre-existing health condition. Express.co.uk has contacted Disney for comment regarding the latest death.
Historical Context of Deaths at Disney World
According to media reports, Disney World in Florida has recorded approximately 70 deaths since it opened in 1971, most linked to pre-existing conditions and natural causes. The park currently welcomes around 49 million visitors annually.
In a separate incident last year, a woman in her 60s died after visiting the Haunted Mansion attraction at Disneyland in California. Matt Sutter from the Anaheim Police Department stated that Anaheim Fire & Rescue responded to an unresponsive woman who had just finished the ride, and security personnel provided CPR until paramedics arrived.
