Three Tragic Deaths Reported at Walt Disney World in Under Two Weeks
Walt Disney World has reported a third death on its property in less than two weeks, according to local authorities and media reports.
The latest incident occurred on October 23 at Disney’s Contemporary Resort near Magic Kingdom. A man in his 60s was found dead in the hotel, and the Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office told the New York Post that his death was ruled a suicide.
A TikTok video from the scene showed police tape and emergency workers in the hotel’s courtyard.
@aiotfamily We woke up to a VERY large law enforcement outside our balcony this morning at Disney’s Bay Lake Tower. We were told it was a “medical emergency”. Prayers to the family & those involved! 🙏 #disneyworld #baylaketower ♬ original sound – Adventure Is Out There
Earlier, on October 21, another man in his 60s died at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds after suffering a medical episode. He was taken to a hospital, where he later passed away. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office told the New York Post that “there are no signs of foul play.”
The first death in this string of tragedies took place on October 14, when 31-year-old Disney superfan Summer Equitz died at the Contemporary Resort. Initial reports had suggested she had been struck by the monorail, but authorities later confirmed she died by suicide after falling from a balcony. Officials told the New York Post that her death was due to “multiple blunt impact injuries.”
According to reports, the recent death at the Contemporary Resort pushes the total number of deaths at Walt Disney World since its opening in 1971 to 68. Guests staying near Magic Kingdom reported seeing dozens of emergency responders, ambulances, and blocked roadways.
Disney cast members instructed families not to look out rear-facing windows, and tents and hotel property were used to block the view of the scene. A TikTok video by user @aoitfamily showed crime scene tape near the pool at Bay Lake Tower, with guests being told it was a “medical emergency.”
The October 23 victim, identified by TMZ as 28-year-old Matthew Cohn, checked into a 12th-floor room at the Contemporary Resort on October 22. The Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that Cohn died from “multiple traumatic injuries after falling from Bay Lake Tower,” and ruled his death a suicide.
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