Female Suffers Severe Brain Injury Following Rollercoaster Mishap

Rachel Hawes, a 46-year-old woman from Michigan, is suing an amusement park in Ohio after sustaining a traumatic brain injury in an accident.

In August 2021, Hawes was hit in the head by a large metal bracket that fell off a rollercoaster at Cedar Point Park in Sandusky.

Injured Woman Seeks Millions in Damages from Cedar Point Park in Lawsuit

According to the lawsuit, Hawes suffered serious and permanent injuries, including skull fractures and a traumatic brain injury.

She claims that Cedar Point Park neglected to properly inspect and maintain the rollercoaster, breaching their duty of care.

A Michigan woman struck in the head by a metal bracket that fell off a Cedar Point roller coaster is suing the amusement park. https://t.co/Xctu94o6dj

— Local 4 WDIV Detroit (@Local4News) July 13, 2023

An investigation by the Ohio Department of Agriculture found no evidence of illegal activity or unsafe conditions on the ride.

A spokesperson for the park stated that a small metal object had fallen from a train on the rollercoaster’s end.

The lawsuit claims that Hawes’ medical expenses have already exceeded $2 million, and her future costs are estimated to be over $10 million. The injuries she sustained will require lifelong assistance with daily activities.

Cedar Point Closes Top Thrill Dragster After Tragic Accident, Announces Permanent Retirement

Hawes is seeking compensation from Cedar Point for medical expenses, lost wages, diminished earning potential, and physical pain.

The woman’s medical expenses have exceeded $2 million and are expected to reach more than $10 million because of additional treatments and surgery, according to the suit. https://t.co/ZfyUVfImGt

— FOX 2 Detroit (@FOX2News) July 13, 2023

A witness to the incident, John McDermott, described seeing the object fall from the rollercoaster’s structure and heard it hit the concrete. He described it as a sizable metal disc larger than his hand.

After the accident, Cedar Point decided to permanently retire the rollercoaster, Top Thrill Dragster.

The ride, which opened in 2003 and stood at 420 ft, operated for 19 seasons and served around 18 million riders. The park announced its retirement in September 2022.