Flying cellphone hits head of man riding roller coaster at Ohio’s Cedar Point, he says
A season pass holder was riding a roller coaster at Ohio’s Cedar Point amusement park when he said he was struck by another rider’s flying cellphone.
“This resulted in an open head wound that bled for over an hour, as well as a diagnosed concussion,” David Carter wrote on Facebook.
Carter said he was on the Maverick coaster on Saturday, July 22, when toward the end of the ride, his head was hit by the phone. It belonged to someone a few rows ahead of him.
“Another patron on the same train decided to ignore the multiple rules and suggestions in place to store all loose articles in the bin prior to riding,” he said.
McClatchy News requested comment from Cedar Point on July 25 and was awaiting a response.
In a statement to The Detroit News, a spokesperson with Cedar Point confirmed a rider was injured by a phone during a ride.
The rider was “treated by our first aid team and released, as they did not request additional assistance,” according to the statement obtained by the outlet.
“I had blood dripping down my face, and I felt a bit dizzy,” Carter told the Detroit Free Press.
After being treated, he said the park reimbursed him the cost of his Fast Lane pass and offered free meals until the park closed, according to the newspaper. Carter, who left first aid at about 8:30 p.m., said he received one free meal before closing.
“Cedar Point’s response to this situation has left A LOT to be desired,” the man said on Facebook.
He’s debating taking legal action against the park or the family who owns the phone, according to the Free Press.
As a paramedic, Carter told The Detroit News he sees “freak accidents all the time,” and he’d like to help prevent future incidents such as this.
“This could have ended much worse,” he said on Facebook. “Just follow the rules folks.”
The Cedar Point “2023 Guest Assistance Guide” says “due to the nature of our rides, backpacks, purses, electronics, stuffed animals, jewelry and other loose items are not permitted on most rides.”
Visitors are not allowed to take photos or use electronics while on rides, according to the guide.
The Maverick coaster is “more like a bucking bronco than a coaster,” according to the ride description. It reaches speeds up to 70 mph and “manages to catch riders by surprise at every bank and turn.”
Cedar Point is in Sandusky, about 65 miles west of downtown Cleveland.
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