I just showed this story to my wife. We have an above-average height 4.5 year-old who rode Mission Space with me earlier this year. While the ride is a bit intense, she seemed unfazed. She asked me afterwards, "Dad, did we really go to Mars?"
There had to have been other medical conditions with this particular child.
As a Nurse.. I wonder if the most basic of all things was done. When the child passed out and they checked for breathing and pulse.. did they also check his AIRWAY??? Did he possibly have a piece of gum or candy or SOMETHING in his MOUTH while on the ride?? Did he choke during the ride?? When they attempted rescue breathing did the chest rise with ventilation??? (if it DID he was NOT obstructed.).. (if his chest did NOT rise with the rescue breathing attempt either his jaw was not in correct position or he was OBSTRUCTED!!!) in which case they should have followed proceedures for an unconscious choking victim).
If he was not obstructed .. I wonder if he had a pre existing cardiac condition. Possibly WPW, Brugada, Long QT syndrome. Or possibly it was caused by a neuro issues such as a coup or countercoup injury from the force of the ride.
No matter what is was though.. it is truely a sad time for the family and my prayers go out to them. It makes me wanna take my kids and hug them and not let go.