Police: Ride workers knew Iraq vet had no legs - died when thrown from coaster

Police say the death of a legless Iraq war veteran who was thrown from a roller coaster in upstate New York was an accident but say the man never should have been allowed on the ride and workers violated park policy.

Genesee County Sheriff Gary Maha says signs at the Ride of Steel roller coaster at Darien Lake Theme Park & Resort clearly state riders "must have two legs."


Maha said park operators clearly violated that policy but investigators found no criminal activity, including intent, and they would not face criminal charges. Civil liability could be determined later if a lawsuit is filed, he said.

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Maha says Hackemer "didn't have the physical attributes" to hold him in the ride. He says the operators knew he was a double amputee but allowed him aboard anyway.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/07/13/national/main20079137.shtml?tag=stack

Blame all around on this one including the dead man.

did the rider read the clearly stated sign?

...according to the article.

This is why people have to be assholes when doing their job and making people follow the rules......

And common sense he should've kicked in. I can't find an image of the restraint but it is a center mounted wide yellow bar across top of thighs.

The signs posted for the Ride of Steel state: "For the restraint devices on this ride to fully and safely engage, guests must have two legs and be within a certain range of size and physical dimension. In addition, guests must have sufficient body strength and complete use of at least one arm and hand to hold onto the grab bar. No guests may ride holding anything or with artificial limbs attached."

http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wned/news.newsmain/article/1/0/1827272/WNED-AM.970.NEWS/Police.Say.Ride.Operators.Violated.Policy

Usually that's fun on a roller coaster. This time, maybe not so much. Was alcohol involved?
It's not like he was a kid. He must have figured he could hang on good enough.

thats what I was thinking

The vet wanted to ride the roller coaster and that was his wish. It was a terrible accident, but in this case, I think the attendants, just wanted to give the VET what he had asked for and what he deserved as an adult making his own decisions.

Some low-paid kid working a summer job? I don't think so.............