News Summary
A woman in her 60s suffered a fatal heart attack while riding the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. Emergency services responded promptly, but she was pronounced dead after being transported to a hospital. Disneyland officials confirmed that the Haunted Mansion ride was not responsible for the incident. The Orange County Sheriff-Coroner’s office is investigating the case. This heartbreaking event highlights the importance of being aware of potential health risks in public spaces.
Anaheim, California – A Disneyland guest, a woman in her 60s, died of a heart attack while riding the Haunted Mansion on Monday, Oct. 6. The unfortunate incident took place at approximately 6:30 p.m., prompting Anaheim Fire & Rescue to respond to the scene after receiving a report of an unresponsive woman.
Disneyland security personnel provided CPR to the woman until paramedics arrived. Following their arrival, she was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced deceased. The Orange County Sheriff-Coroner’s office will conduct an investigation to determine the cause of death. Authorities confirmed that the tragic incident was not related to any operational issues with the Haunted Mansion ride.
Details of the Incident
The woman was discovered unresponsive at the ride’s unload station, according to Sgt. Matt Sutter from the Anaheim Police Department. After the incident, Disneyland officials noted that the Haunted Mansion reopened shortly afterward. No identifying information about the woman, including her name or city of residence, has been released to the public.
About the Haunted Mansion
The Haunted Mansion is one of Disneyland’s most iconic attractions, having originally opened its doors in 1969. The ride features a seasonal Halloween version known as Haunted Mansion Holiday, which includes characters from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Despite the recent incident, there are no indications that the ride itself contributed to the medical emergency.
Expert Commentary
Theme park safety expert Dennis Speigel commented that fatalities at theme parks are rare, emphasizing that the Haunted Mansion is generally regarded as a safe attraction for guests of all ages. The incident, while tragic, underscores the need for awareness of health risks that can occur in any recreational setting.
Disney influencer Matt Desmond highlighted the incident on social media, expressing condolences to the family of the deceased guest. This tragic occurrence serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of health emergencies that can happen in public spaces.
Context of Park Safety
Incidents like this, while uncommon, can occur in large public venues such as theme parks, where large crowds gather. Disneyland has a long history of safety regulations and practices designed to protect the well-being of its guests. The park is equipped with trained staff to respond to emergencies, and protocols are in place to ensure the safety of attractions.
The Disneyland Resort remains committed to maintaining a safe environment for all its guests. The rapid response by both Disneyland security and local emergency services demonstrates the established procedures that are in place should such incidents occur.
This tragic event serves as a reminder that while amusement parks are places of joy and entertainment, they can also be venues where unforeseen medical emergencies arise. The safety of all guests remains a top priority for Disneyland and other theme parks across the nation.
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Additional Resources
- KTLA
- Los Angeles Times
- NBC News
- Orange County Register
- Entertainment Weekly
- Wikipedia: Disneyland
- Google Search: Disneyland safety incidents
- Google Scholar: Disneyland medical emergencies
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Disneyland
- Google News: Disneyland Haunted Mansion incident

Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.