David Carter was enjoying a day out at Cedar Point amusement park, riding the Maverick roller coaster, when a phone smacked into his head, leaving him with a concussion diagnosis.
“I had blood dripping down my face, and I felt a bit dizzy,” Carter, told the Detroit Free Press. According to the outlet, he is a Detroit paramedic in his 20s who has a season pass to the popular Ohio amusement park.
He even worked at the park around a decade ago.
In a Facebook post cited by Detroit News, Carter said that “while riding the Maverick roller coaster, another patron on the same train decided to ignore the multiple rules and suggestions in place to store all loose articles in the bin prior to riding,” and kept their cell phone on them. This iPhone – which fell out of a boy’s pocket, per the Free Press – collided with Carter’s head at 70 mph, said the post.
The boy’s mother lost her phone in water below the ride, according to reports.
“Due to the nature of our rides, backpacks, purses, electronics, stuffed animals, jewelry and other loose items are not permitted on most rides,” Cedar Point policy states. “Glasses must be secured. Smaller items may be secured in cargo pockets or waist packs as long as they do not interfere with the restraint system. In addition, smaller items may be left in a locker or with a non-rider. Cedar Point is not responsible for lost or stolen items. You are responsible for your personal property.”
Per the Free press, the park confirmed Monday that a guest riding Maverick was struck by a cell phone that fell out of another guest’s pocket during the ride. It said the guest, was treated by the first aid team and released.
On the Cedar Point website, Maverick is described as an award-winning ride that’s “more like a bucking bronco than a coaster,” created for “daring” riders. It features “twists, corkscrews, launches, tunnels,” and more that turn riders upside-down.
In addition to the first aid response, Cedar Point reportedly reimbursed Carter for his Fast Pass and offered him free meals for the rest of the day. However, since the incident happened around 6:30 p.m., he was only able to get one free meal. Later, he was diagnosed with a concussion at a hospital.
According to the Free Press, Carter was disappointed in the response. He is considering taking legal action against the park and the family who did not heed the rules.
Carter “plans on sending Cedar Point his medical bill, as well as requesting compensation having to take time off from work as a result of his concussion, which his doctor recommended,” said the outlet.
He also said the incident “could have ended much worse,” and that he hoped his story raises awareness about ride safety. Earlier this month a lawsuit filed in Erie County Common Pleas Courthouse in Ohio by a woman who was struck in the head on a separate incident in 2021. She was riding the 420-foot tall Top Thrill Dragster, one of the world’s tallest thrill rides. Although that ride was shut down and retired, “Cedar Point confirmed to the Free Press it is still retooling the ride and expects it to reopen next year.”
Related
Related
