Florida man sues Walt Disney World over “permanent catastrophic injuries” from water park ride

A recent lawsuit has been filed against Walt Disney Parks and Resorts by a Florida man named Eugene Strickland. Strickland alleges that he suffered “permanent catastrophic injuries” after riding the Downhill Double Dipper (DDD) water slide at Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park in 2021. The incident occurred on July 31, 2021, when Strickland, who was 334 pounds at the time, exceeding the ride’s weight limit by 34 pounds, was dislodged from his inner tube due to the ride’s “exhilarating speeds.”

The description of the Downhill Double Dipper ride on the Disney World website paints a thrilling picture, promising riders the experience of “disappearing into a black hole and plummeting 50 feet downhill at exhilarating speeds.” However, for Strickland, the ride took a dangerous turn when he became separated from his inner tube and landed forcefully on the slide’s plastic surface. This resulted in serious bodily injuries, including disability, scarring, and disfigurement, as well as mental anguish and a loss of capacity for enjoying life.

In his lawsuit, Strickland holds Disney responsible for his injuries, claiming that the theme park failed to warn him of the dangerous conditions at the DDD high-speed water slide. The lawsuit, filed in Orange County, Florida, seeks $50,000 in damages and a trial by jury. Despite the legal action taken by Strickland, Disney has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.

This incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks involved in thrill rides at amusement parks, and the importance of adhering to safety guidelines and weight restrictions set by the park. As the legal proceedings unfold, it will be interesting to see how the case is resolved and what implications it may have for the safety measures implemented by theme parks across the country.

For more updates on this story and other news, stay tuned to CBS News. Mary Cunningham, a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch, will continue to provide coverage on this developing story and other business and finance news. Mary brings a wealth of experience from her time at “60 Minutes,” CBSNews.com, and CBS News 24/7, and is dedicated to delivering accurate and insightful reporting to our readers.