The man who authorities believe was hit by a roller coaster at an Ohio amusement park last week has died, according to multiple news reports. Arntanaro Nelson, 38, of Wilmington, passed away on Friday at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he was being treated following the incident at Kings Island on Wednesday, June 19.
The Incident Unfolds
According to NBC affiliate WLWT and The Cincinnati Enquirer, Nelson entered a restricted area by the Banshee roller coaster around 8 p.m. local time. The Mason police and the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office confirmed the victim’s identity, as reported by CBS affiliate WHIO.
A Kings Island spokesperson mentioned that Nelson had accessed the fenced-off zone near the Banshee coaster, per WLWT. The police report obtained by PEOPLE identified Nelson as one of the involved parties, stating that officers were first called for a traumatic injury at the park after Kings Island security found Nelson in a restricted area near the roller coaster.
The Sequence of Events
Authorities said Nelson was attempting to retrieve keys he had dropped while on the roller coaster when he was apparently struck by the ride. A Kings Island ride operator, who was not working on the Banshee ride, told CBS affiliate WKRC that Nelson approached a greeter at the entrance of the ride with two children and informed them he had lost his keys and needed to retrieve them.
The operator told Nelson that they couldn’t retrieve the keys at that moment and suggested waiting until the park closed to get them from the lost and found. Shortly after, a group of riders returned visibly upset, exclaiming that they had hit something.
Medical Response and Investigation
Nelson was transported to the hospital in critical condition, according to WLWT and WHIO, and succumbed to his injuries two days later. The coroner’s office listed his death as a “suspected accident,” per the Enquirer. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The Banshee ride reopened Saturday morning, according to the Enquirer and WHIO. County officials and state inspectors from the Ohio Department of Agriculture are involved in the ongoing investigation.
Remembering Arntanaro Nelson
Arntanaro Nelson, CEO of RareBreed LLC, has been described as a beloved figure in his community. His passing has left a significant void among family and friends. Kings Island expressed deep condolences, stating, “We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Arntanaro Nelson. Our continued prayers are with his family and friends during this very difficult time.”
The Banshee Roller Coaster
Banshee is an inverted roller coaster located at Kings Island amusement park in Mason, Ohio. Designed by Swiss firm Bolliger & Mabillard, the coaster opened on April 18, 2014, and cost $24 million to build. It holds the distinction of being the world’s longest inverted roller coaster, with a track length of 4,124 feet (1,257 meters).
Conclusion
The tragic passing of Arntanaro Nelson has highlighted the importance of safety measures at amusement parks. While the investigation continues, it is crucial to remember Nelson as a cherished individual whose untimely death has profoundly impacted his community. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the need for vigilance and adherence to safety protocols in all recreational settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was Arntanaro Nelson?
Arntanaro Nelson was the CEO of RareBreed LLC and a resident of Wilmington, Ohio. He tragically died following an incident at Kings Island amusement park.
2. What happened to Arntanaro Nelson at Kings Island?
Nelson was struck by the Banshee roller coaster while attempting to retrieve his keys from a restricted area near the ride.
3. How did the authorities respond to the incident?
Emergency responders, including police and park safety personnel, quickly attended to Nelson. He was initially taken to West Chester Hospital before being flown to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.
4. Is the Banshee roller coaster still operational?
The Banshee roller coaster reopened on Saturday morning after the incident, but the investigation by Kings Island, Mason police, and state inspectors is ongoing.
5. What measures are being taken to investigate the incident?
Local authorities, park officials, and state inspectors are thoroughly investigating the incident. The Ohio Department of Agriculture’s Division of Amusement Ride Safety and Fairs is also involved.