If you’re in New York City and facing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, you can reach out to 888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential support. For those outside the city, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be contacted at 988 or through their website.
The Contemporary Resort Hotel at Walt Disney World, where an Illinois woman took her life, has gained notoriety for similar tragic incidents.
The body of 31-year-old Summer Equitz, a devoted Disney fan from Naperville, was found on Tuesday night at the hotel in Florida.
Equitz, originally from Naperville, got married last year, honeymooned at Disney World in October, and announced her pregnancy just two months later. It’s unclear if she had given birth.
The hotel, which opened its doors in 1971, has seen several tragic events in recent years.
In March 2016, a guest reportedly jumped to their death from the hotel’s iconic A-frame tower, as indicated by news reports from that time.
Not much additional information was available about either this incident or the victims involved. In March 2020, another woman jumped from the same resort to the horror of onlookers, and paramedics, along with Disney staff, found her deceased.
A relative of Equitz mentioned that she had booked a flight to Disney World the day she died without informing anyone. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office stated that they believe it to be a suicide, although further details have not been shared.
In July 2023, yet another death occurred at the same resort, where a man was found unresponsive on the property. Guests reported seeing cleanup efforts in the aftermath, suggesting it was another suicide.
“At 5:33 a.m. on July 26, 2023, deputies were called to the Contemporary Resort after a report of an unresponsive man. He was declared dead at the scene,” the authorities confirmed.
The Contemporary Resort, located near Magic Kingdom, is one of the most recognizable hotels on Disney property. Its unique on-site monorail system connects guests directly to the lobby, where they can enjoy dining experiences like Chef Mickey’s, which has been a staple since 1977.
Jim Hill, on a podcast, discussed the troubling connection between the Contemporary Resort and suicides. He noted that those feeling deep despair often visit Walt Disney World for one last joyful memory with their families, sometimes choosing this particular hotel for its height.
Hill further explained that Disney tends to keep these incidents under wraps, mentioning efforts to shield family members from grief immediately following any tragedy.
In the past, Disney staff reportedly had to continue resuscitation efforts until emergency personnel left the property, illustrating a unique approach to managing such devastating situations.
As society has evolved with smartphones everywhere, it’s become increasingly challenging for Disney to keep these incidents out of public eye.
As of now, Disney has not commented on the recent events.
