A man is suing SeaWorld for the “severe and permanent injuries” he allegedly sustained from riding their popular roller coaster, Ice Breaker.
According to the case records obtained by News Onyx, the plaintiff, Casey Monette, boarded the Ice Breaker on February 19, 2022, the day after the ride’s grand opening.
The ride features “four airtime filled launches, backwards and forwards motion, culminating in a reverse launch into the steepest beyond vertical drop in Florida – a 93 feet tall spike with a 100-degree angle.”
He followed protocol by pulling the overhead safety restraint harness over his head and chest. Over-the-shoulder harnesses should be snug against a rider’s chest to ensure safety. Monette immediately noticed his harness was “extremely loose with approximately five to six inches of movement back and forth.”
It’s unclear if an operator checked all patrons’ harnesses, but the ride began to launch. A malfunction made the Ice Breaker roller coaster come to an abrupt stop. Monette’s extra space and the abrupt stop caused him to violently lurch forward, striking his head on the seat in front of him and his seat’s headrest.
For 20 to 30 minutes, operators worked to repair the roller coaster. During that time, Monette claimed he tried to call for help when he noticed he couldn’t move his neck. But the operators didn’t see and started the ride. Monette told the staff about his extreme pain when the ride ended, and medical personnel were called to tend to him.
Monette wants a trial by jury and is suing for over $50,000.
The first SeaWorld opened in San Diego, and the Orlando location launched as a marine park in 1973. However, the theme park caught much flack because it held killer whales captive. And the documentary Blackfish (2013) didn’t help its reputation. Additionally, parkgoers weren’t oblivious that the killer whales were killing the theme park’s staff members in retaliation, contributing to the park’s low attendance.
SeaWorld had no choice but to shift their park’s attention from the sea animals to amusement rides.
