A woman in her 60s experienced a medical emergency while riding the Haunted Mansion attraction at Disneyland on Monday. She was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. The incident occurred after she completed the ride, which had been operating as the Halloween-themed Haunted Mansion Holiday.
Key Takeaways
- A woman in her 60s died after a medical incident on Disneyland's Haunted Mansion.
- The incident happened after the ride concluded; no operational issues were found.
- Anaheim police and Disneyland security responded to the scene.
- Theme park deaths are rare, especially on slow-moving attractions.
Medical Emergency on a Slow-Moving Ride
The incident took place on Monday, October 6, 2025. Anaheim police confirmed that emergency units responded to the theme park at approximately 6:30 p.m. upon receiving reports of an unresponsive woman.
Disneyland security staff initiated CPR before paramedics arrived. The woman was then transported to a nearby Orange County hospital. She was pronounced dead later that evening.
"This appears to be an unfortunate medical episode, and our thoughts go out the family," wrote Anaheim Police Sgt. Matt Sutter in an email.
Disneyland officials acknowledged that a guest required medical attention and was taken to a hospital. They did not release further details regarding the individual or the specific nature of the medical event.
Incident Details
- Date: Monday, October 6, 2025
- Time of Response: Approximately 6:30 p.m. PT
- Location: Haunted Mansion attraction, Disneyland, Anaheim
- Individual: Woman in her 60s
- Outcome: Pronounced dead at a local hospital
No Operational Issues Reported
Anaheim Police Sgt. Matt Sutter stated that there was no indication of any operational issue with the Haunted Mansion attraction itself. The ride reopened shortly after the incident.
The Orange County Sheriff-Coroner's office is investigating the exact cause of death. Investigations like these are standard procedure for sudden deaths.
The Haunted Mansion is known for its slow pace. Guests ride in "doom buggies" that travel at about one mile per hour. This type of ride is generally considered low-impact.
Haunted Mansion Holiday Version
At the time of the incident, the ride was operating as "Haunted Mansion Holiday." This seasonal overlay combines characters from Tim Burton's "The Nightmare Before Christmas" with the original Haunted Mansion features. It is a popular annual tradition at the park.
The ride's mechanics and movement remain consistent between its regular and holiday versions. It does not involve sudden drops, high speeds, or intense forces typical of thrill rides.
Theme Park Safety Oversight
In California, the Department of Industrial Relations is responsible for overseeing the safety of amusement park rides. This includes regular inspections and adherence to safety protocols.
Rarity of Such Incidents on Gentle Rides
Dennis Speigel, founder and chief executive of International Theme Park Services Inc., a leisure and attractions consultant agency, commented on the nature of the ride. He noted that the Haunted Mansion is among the least likely attractions to cause medical incidents.
"I have to say that if you picked a ride at Disney, this or Small World would be the last type of ride you would expect to see something like this to happen," Speigel said. "These are the rides for great-grandmothers."
Deaths at theme parks are rare. When they do occur, they are typically associated with pre-existing medical conditions or more intense attractions.
Comparative Safety
Speigel highlighted the rigorous safety measures in place at major theme parks. He specifically mentioned Disney and Universal, stating they undergo "daily, weekly and monthly inspections."
He referenced a recent death of a 32-year-old man on a roller coaster at Universal Studios Epic Universe in Orlando last month. Even such incidents, while tragic, are uncommon given the millions of visitors parks host annually.
Speigel emphasized that the overall safety record of major theme parks is strong. He suggested that guests should not be deterred by isolated incidents. His comparison of theme park safety to daily driving underscores this point.
"Transparency comes at the highest level for Disney," Speigel said. "It’s much safer to ride Space Mountain or any ride at Disneyland for a month straight than to drive one day on the 405 Freeway."
This perspective aims to reassure the public about the general safety of theme park attractions. The focus remains on the individual medical episode rather than any systemic safety failure.
Disneyland's History with Medical Incidents
Disneyland, like any major attraction drawing millions of visitors, has experienced various medical incidents over its history. These events are often unrelated to ride operations.
For example, in December 2022, a man died after falling from a multistory parking garage at Disneyland. This incident was separate from any ride activity.
Park staff and emergency services are trained to respond to a wide range of situations. Their rapid response is critical in such medical emergencies.
The focus of authorities is now on determining the precise medical factors that led to the woman's death. The investigation will provide further clarity.
Community Impact
Such events can temporarily impact public perception. However, theme park experts consistently affirm the high safety standards maintained across the industry.
The incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of health awareness, even in leisure environments. Disneyland continues to operate its attractions with standard safety protocols.
