A man has died after entering a restricted, fenced area near the Raptor roller coaster, Cedar Point has confirmed.
Police confirmed that James Young, 45 was at the park with friends and some of his belongings fell while he was riding the Raptor.
Young from East Canton, was struck after jumping the fence to retrieve his belongings, reports CNN.
“The city and police departments condolences go out to the family of this gentleman,” said Phil Frost, Assistant Sandusky Police Chief. “No one else was injured that we know of, from what we`ve discovered so far the actual train hit Mr. Young.”
At 5 pm, a guest entered a restricted, fenced area of Raptor and was struck by the ride. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
— Cedar Point (@cedarpoint) August 13, 2015
Cedar Point released the following statement about the accident:
At approximately 5 p.m., a guest entered a restricted, fenced area of the Raptor roller coaster and was struck by the ride. Park safety officials responded immediately to the situation. Unfortunately the guest has passed away. Local authorities are on the scene conducting an investigation.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this time.
Raptor is one of Cedar Park’s 17 coasters, twisting people up, down and all around at speeds reaching 57 mph, though Frost didn’t say how fast it was going at the time.
Police have spoken with a few witnesses, but are asking anyone else who saw anything to come forward. Anyone with information can contact Detective Dana Newell 419-627-5877.
