Walt Disney World

By Joe Lombardi From Daily Voice

A fifth person has died at Walt Disney World Resort in less than a month, marking another tragedy at the popular vacation destination in Orlando, Florida. 

The most recent incident occurred at Saratoga Springs Resort on Friday, Nov. 8, according to authorities and reports from insidethemagic.net.

Officials say the deaths, though close in timing, are unrelated and each involved different causes. 

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office and emergency responders have emphasized that no foul play is suspected in the latest case, and investigations are ongoing. The latest victim’s identity and cause of death have not been released.

The string of fatalities has unsettled many Disney fans and guests, as the resort is known for its focus on safety and joy. 

Authorities, however, have reiterated that these incidents are independent and that Walt Disney World hosts tens of millions of visitors each year.

A rundown of the five deaths at Disney World resorts in recent weeks:

  • On Tuesday, Oct. 14, Summer Equitz, 31, died by suicide after falling from Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The Medical Examiner’s Office ruled her death as “multiple blunt impact injuries.” Equitz had worked as a character performer and entertainment host at Disneyland in California. She was remembered as a devoted Disney fan.
  • On Tuesday, Oct. 21, a man in his 60s with a pre-existing medical condition died at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. Deputies responded to a “Person Down” call just after 7:30 a.m. He was transported to a hospital and pronounced dead. No foul play was found.
  • On Thursday, Oct. 23, Matthew Cohn, 28, died by suicide after a fall at Disney’s Contemporary Resort near Magic Kingdom. The Medical Examiner ruled his death as “multiple traumatic injuries sustained in a fall.” His hometown was not released.
  • On Sunday, Nov. 2, a woman in her 40s died after being transported from Disney’s Pop Century Resort to a hospital. The sheriff’s office reported no signs of foul play. Her identity and cause of death have not been disclosed.
  • The fifth and most recent death occurred at Saratoga Springs Resort on Friday, Nov. 8. No cause has been released, but officials say there are no signs of foul play.

Condolences have poured in on social media for the victims and their families.

Mental health advocates have encouraged open conversations about struggles and the importance of seeking help. 

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or chat via 988lifeline.org.