Man Dies After Fall on Revenge of the Mummy
Universal Orlando: Jose Valadez, 39, of Apopka, died a day after falling from the loading platform at Universal Studios Florida's Revenge of the Mummy ride.
Jose Valadez, 39, of Apopka, Fla. died Sept. 22, 2004, a day after falling from the loading platform at Universal Studios Florida's Revenge of the Mummy ride. Valadez was awaiting a liver transplant and doctors told his family that his liver disease complicated the surgery they performed after the accident.
After falling, Valadez hit his head on the tracks. He complained to paramedics of stomach pain and that he couldn't feel his leg.
Universal was investigating the accident, park spokesman Tom Schroder said. He added that the ride did not malfunction and the accident occurred as Valadez started to board in the front row.
This is the first reported major accident on Mummy, which opened this past May.
Wow. Not really sure how you can do this, since the gates do swing open to block the path, don't they? If not, they soon will.
From steve lee
Posted September 26, 2004 at 8:10 PM
Wow. I got nabbed by one of those guys doing the consumer research in the park yesterday and while I was doing the taste test (way too much fruit punch), he told my girlfriend about this incident. My initial response was "that guy's full of it - we would have heard about that if it had really happened."
I guess I was wrong.
And all the fruit punch sucked (but I got ten Universal bucks out of it).
I was on this ride when the accident happened. They closed it for 5hrs. We went back the next day and went on again. This time there were twice as many operators and the front row of the carrage was not in use. I asume the person fell while getting into the front of the carrage.
Oh.... the gates do not block the path.
Back in the UK now and cold!
this accident not only affected Florida but it also affected Hollywoods version of the Ride. Since this accident the front row are taped off and the most the riders can get on is like 12 people per train. Hollywood has the warriors back, that mystically fall from the roof of the temple again. But apart from that people hardly question the facts but I did. I really give my warm heart and sympathy to the family of this victim who had a short time to live. Thank you very much.
Wow, I can not believe that happened! How did he fall? I don't doubt that he fell, but I would guess Universial, like Disney and all other parks, would make sure that nobody could fall. Also, the death was bizzare and I believe that he would survive if he didn't have liver problems.
hello!
oh... not more problems. i've heard all about big thunda mountain and how unsafe that is now you're telling me this is unsafe to?
From Joe Lane
Posted October 10, 2004 at 9:27 AM
Chill out, Daniel, this accident isn't as serious as the DL Big Thunder accidents. The incidents at Disneyland involve poor maintainence and operator training issues, but the death on Mummy didn't even happen ON the ride. Don't let the headlines fool you.
Mr. Valadez was awaiting a liver transplant due to problems with his own. While boarding the attraction, he somehow fell between the gate and the ride car and down four feet onto the ride track, hitting his head. He was complaining of stomach pains and lack of feeling in his leg. He was taken to the hospital where it was determined his spleen needed removing and during the operation, he died due to complications with his bad liver.
The questions that still hold concern for myself is where Mr. Valadez boarded the ride and how his body managed to fit between the gate and ride car at the fall. We may never know the full details.
Thoughts and prayers go out to the Valadez family and friends, regardless of where or how he passed, it's always a sad state of affairs when an accident at a place that promotes fun times can lead to a passing.
So again, no worries with the Mummy ride, no reason to spaz out or anything. Just watch your step.
Very true Joe! Such a sad event!
This discussion has been archived, and is not accepting additional responses.
