Posted on 02/27/2006 9:20:58 AM PST by stainlessbanner
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- A 13-year-old Orlando boy was hospitalized this weekend after falling from a roller coaster ride while acting on a dare from a friend, according to a statement from Cypress Gardens Sunday.
Martin Llamas remained in intensive care at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital in Tampa, hospital officials said. He had been airlifted there Saturday after falling from the Triple Hurricane roller coaster at the Polk County theme park.
Hospital officials did not comment on his injuries.
According to a preliminary investigation, Llamas was facing the cars behind him as the ride approached a sharp right turn, said Carrie Rodgers, spokeswoman for the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
Because the teen was turned around, "the lap bar was not secure across his legs," the sheriff's office said in a statement released Sunday evening. "During the turn, the force of the ride propelled him over the side and out of the car."
Llamas fell a distance of 10 to 12 feet onto grass, Rodgers said.
Park officials said they found Llamas' restraint still secured when the coaster stopped.
Cypress Gardens released a statement on Sunday saying that Llamas acted on a dare to maneuver out of his restraint, and stood up before falling as the ride ended. But Rodgers said the teen's family members say he was not standing.
Llamas's family could not be reached for comment. No telephone listing was found for the family.
State ride inspector Mark Gonzales, who inspected the roller coaster Sunday morning, reported that no deficiencies were found.
"No deficiencies means there's nothing wrong with the ride," said Liz Compton, spokeswoman for the Department of Agriculture. The Bureau of Fair Rides Inspection checks the equipment after accidents, she said.
Cypress Gardens reopened the coaster Sunday morning after the state's inspection. The Triple Hurricane, a wooden roller coaster that features waves but no loops, has operated since December 2004.
"All rides at the park are thoroughly inspected and tested on a daily basis to ensure they are operating correctly, and we do everything possible to ensure that our guests comply with safety protocols. Our thoughts and prayers are with the young man and his family," park CEO Kent Buescher said in a statement.
Ed Proper Jr. of Scotia, N.Y., said he watched the roller coaster round a turn and saw Llamas fall to a grassy area beneath the ride.
"This kid just went right out and tumbled, it was like he was being twisted in mid-air," Proper said.
The boy's a moron I dare say.
Sometimes stupid can hurt
Of course, if it was a Double-Dog dare, I guess he hadda...
Stupid is as stupid does.
Man, thinking about some of the things myself and friends used to do like this on Thunder Road and Scooby Doo at Carowinds all I can say is there but for the grace of God. Prayer for this young man
Just skimming out the gene pool, I say.
"Hold muh lap bar and watch this."
The park should sue the kid's family for generating the bad publicity.
It's really tough being stupid...........
That too. I wonder when the kids folks will "lawyer up" seeking a settlement
Bump for later.
Prayers offered for the kid's recovery; hope the family has the decency not to take up court time trying to make a fortune off his stupidity.
Nah, had to be at least a triple-dog-dare.........
The parents had better be sure to sue the amusement park for not nailing the boy into his seat.
If this boy survives, I predict his last words will be, "Watch this, hold my beer.."
Makes me wonder what CBS reporters have to put up with in that case. [sarcasm off]
That's a breach of protocol.
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