DougMJr

Ride of Steel at Darien Lake about a week before the accident.

I have to admit that suicide was also at the back oft mind, I didn't want to say anything because it is pure speculation and the truth of the matter is that we will never know. If he was aiming to kill himself I do not judge him, he certainly has endured more than 99% of the population could ever dream of enduring. If he wanted to end his suffering who am I to judge? I'm glad that his family is strong enough to get through this. I hope for the park's sake that the investigation is quick and thorough, but I understand if it takes time to get ROS running again.

By now, the story is hitting more major news networks. I'll provide links to the full stories but here are some excerpts with interesting details. Full Story From New York Post Full Story from CNN The biggest thing this brings to light is that Guest Services gave him the OK to go on all the rides by telling him that "they're all safe" for him to ride. I'm not sure what Darien Lake's policy is for disabled persons, but if they get a wristband or something and he was cleared for everything then perhaps the ride attendants were just following orders. Again, I'm not sure how much of this is 100% true, and we will not know until the official report, but interesting none the less.

Just quickly read through another article, everything is pretty much consistent with everything discussed here. Save for this. If this is true, then Darien Lake staff totally dropped the ball on this one. I'm not saying that they were completely in the wrong for letting him ride, but when a double amputee is boarding a ride with a lap bar questions should be asked. Full article can be found here: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/world/8271140/war-veteran-thrown-from-rollercoaster-ride-dies

And let the knee jerk government reaction begin. Now a Massachusetts Congressman in Chiming in about the Accident. Not sure how I feel about this... I'm all for safety, however Ride Of Steel is safe! If this passes I'm not sure if it will have any impact on rider safety.

^^Every time I go to Darien Lake I look across the street and see Batman the Escape rusting away in that lot. At this point the is no hope of it ever being built.

^Perhaps that is the case. More details will come in time. I just hope that this serves as a lesson for all. For guests, that your safety is important. You're not invincible, safety measures are in place but those mean nothing if you are reckless. For Darien Lake, there is room for improvement (not just in rider safety). Making company policies clearer and informing employees of how to react to any number of situations. Training and testing employees on policies and procedures is important. After visiting the park last week, Darien Lake could defiantly use some improvement. After watching a girl with a head laceration wait almost 10 minutes in the motocoaster station before getting medical attention really was the last straw for me. It is my home park, but I'm not exactly proud of it. It's not a bad park, it just has so much potential.

The Dog Tongue element looks insane! I have a feeling that we will be seeing a lot more of this element in future euro-fighters.

^Don't forget the desperate housewife looking for her 15 min of airtime.

A woodie by the beach would be excellent. I don't really want them to axe DT, it's redeeming quality is that it is the only dark ride CP has. Perhaps instead of Mean Streak marshmallow roast CP could give it the Rocky Mountain treatment instead?

Another quick update. Judging from this interview the family appears to be dealing with this tragedy remarkably well. As bad as the situation is, it appears that all parties involved (Darien Lake, Family, Investigators) are dealing with it very well. Also, here is another news report on the accident with witness reports. However, the witnesses are very young and make some statements that make the ride appear unsafe... When I rode ROS a week ago the restraints felt very secure and very safe. I however make sure that my restraint is securely fastened and as tight as comfortably possible.

The way the ROS midway is set up you would have to pass the sign to get to the exit. The ride exits through the gift show and the ride entrance with the sign is located just to the left of the Gift Shop. He would have to pass the entrance in order to get to the ride exit.

So Far: Belmont Park Darien Lake Martin's Fantasy Island Potentially: Canada's Wonderland Cedar Point (Short list, I know. I'm a broke college student.)

Here is a video of the News Conference at Darien Lake yesterday. Some important questions answered. - The Victim was James T. Hackemer, 29 - He was not wearing any prosthetic limbs upon entering the ride. - One leg amputated at hip, one just above the knee. - Department of Labor, Darien Lake, and Sheriffs involved in Investigation. - It was on one of the hills, possibly the first airtime hill after the drop (from what I gathered). - The ride was traveling an estimated 50mph. - The ride will re-open after department of labor investigation and when DOL deems ride able to open. - Passengers on the ride were taken to safe area and interviewed after incident. - The rest of the park will be open today. - Nothing Mechanical appeared to go wrong. - The restraint system was functioning. - Darien Lake Staff first on scene, sheriff on scene few minutes after police were called. Also here is the WIVB interview with one of the passengers on the ride, his comments were quoted earlier in the thread. EDIT: Here is another video that will give some insight into the life of the victim, a wonderful person.

Yes, but I thought that the victim lost one leg at the knee and one at the hip. So if he lost one at the hip then there is really nothing restraining him on that one side. And if he lost one at the knee then the shin guards are being used at all. The dummies at least appear to have a lap, which is where the lap bar and the seat belt rests. With one leg amputated at the hip I would imagine it would be difficult to sit up right, let alone ride a roller coaster.

I'm very upset to see this happen at my home park... I had high hopes for this season with new management. However I am still seeing occurrences at the park that make me sick. Last week I was just about to get on motocoaster when the girl in front of me fell face first into a fence and suffered a large cut across her forehead. The worst part is that she was on the ground bleeding for 10min before medical got there to help. By the time they got her off the ride she was fighting just to stay conscious. When cleaning up the mess they ran out of that spray that helps clean up blood and they had to radio in for more. Now with this accident on ROS I'm sure that there was a lack of communication somewhere. I hope that this tragedy will bring about positive change for the park in the long run. May he RIP and my thoughts and prayers are with the family.

So cool! Looking forward to more patents and updates. ^I'm defiantly going to be exploring google patents when I get some free time. Never really thought of going on there before now.

One of my favorite flats from my childhood, the Corn Popper! ^Photo by CoolCuda on flickr

"A great morning for construction! The first tower piece of WindSeeker was installed this morning." Just posted to Cedar Point's facebook page. Vertical construction begins on Windseeker.

Absolutely horrible. That train looked like it was way past the point of "too fast." The operator and inspector were completely neglectful. The family of the boy who lost his life are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm also concerned about the falsified inspection. I know that this is probably a rarity, but I wonder how many inspections are falsified or inadequate? I'm sure most ride operators and inspectors know how important they are and take their job seriously. Unfortunately, it only takes one person to jeopardize the safety of others.

1)Airtime Hills 2)Heartline rolls 3)Zero-G Roll 4)Beyond Vertical Drop 5)Vertical Loop

That is epic! I would love to try that out. To reach the rope looks like it takes a lot of timing and skill.

Awesome pictures! Magic Mountian really looks like they know how to throw a press event. I need to get myself to Magic Mountian ASAP! Maybe I should take a second job for coaster money... Ride is looking too good, the new paint was a huge improvement as far as looks go.

Heading to San Diego in 41 days, looking forward to seeing the park and whatever construction or clearing is done for Manta. Looks like it is going to be a great addition for the park.

Mine is being within a couple miles of Waldameer, on a Monday. I could have gotten my Ravine credit but Waldameer is closed on Mondays... Hopefully next tine I'm in the area it will be on one of the other six days of the week.