Another heartbreaking amusement park accident is making headlines after an 18-year-old woman tragically fell to her death from a ride known as “The Pendulum” in Los Cabos, Mexico. According to Expreso, the incident took place on October 20 during the Cabo San Lucas Traditional Festival.
The victim has been identified as Gabriela Rodríguez Tezoco, a recent graduate of the Baja California Sur College of Baccalaureate Studies. Following her fall on the moving amusement ride, first responders rushed to Tezoco’s aid and provided emergency medical care before transporting her to a local hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
Mayor of Los Cabos Speaks Out After Horrific Amusement Ride Death
According to People, Mayor Christian Agúndez Gómez shared a statement after the tragic death of the 18-year-old woman, stating that “it could have been any of us.”
“These festivities remind us of who we are, where we come from, and what we are capable of when we are united. Today, with the same spirit with which we unite to celebrate, we must unite to support the family of Gabriela. It could have been any of us. They are not alone,” she shared.
Following news of Tezoco’s death, her former school also paid tribute to her in a touching social media post featuring a photo of Tezoco wearing a dress and a sash that read “Princess Cobach 10.”
“May your smile remain alive in our memory and may your memory always be a light that guides us,” it read.
An Investigation Is Underway
According to Expreso, an investigation on “The Pendulum” ride and all other rides are currently underway. The outlet also shared that the Baja California Sur State Attorney General’s Office has launched an investigation into the fatal fall to determine the cause of the accident and whether the ride complied with safety protocols.
It was also reported that there would be a change in leadership of the Municipal Directorate of Civil Protection and Risk Management to help facilitate the investigation and ensure that authorities have access to any important files.
The news of Tezoco’s tragic death comes just weeks after Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem, 42, died on Monday, October 12, after being ejected from the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, per CNN. Eyewitnesses said that as Kariem was ejected from his seat, he struck several other people on the ride before falling beneath it.
According to Insurance Journal, the amusement park was closed from Tuesday through Thursday after Kariem’s death, with the investigation still ongoing. The park reopened on Friday, although the Goliath remained closed.
“We didn’t plan on riding that specific ride,” said Alayna Bruce, who arrived at the park with family after its reopening. “Hopefully, we can enjoy all the other stuff they have.”
Tragedy as 18-Year-Old Woman Dies After Falling From Carnival Ride