Another death has occurred at Walt Disney World, bringing the total to three fatalities in a two-week span, which has cast a somber shadow over the park.
The most recent victim was found at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, close to Magic Kingdom Park in Orlando, Florida, with the Orange County Coroner’s Office confirming the incident.
Details about the cause and timing of death remain unclear. A TikTok video captured from a guest’s perspective on Thursday displayed police tape and emergency responders in the area.
Some guests reported that they were told by a performer not to look outside their balcony after the incident. “Something happened at the back of the building; there was crime scene tape around the fountain,” one guest recounted on social media. “Employees were stationed at every window to keep us from seeing.”
This resort recently witnessed another tragedy, as a devoted fan took her own life by jumping from its iconic A-frame tower the previous week. Summer Equitz, a 31-year-old superfan from the Chicago area, had honeymooned at Disney World and announced her pregnancy shortly before her death.
It’s unclear if she had given birth to her baby.
In a separate event, a man in his 60s collapsed at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and later died after being transported to a hospital. Authorities were alerted shortly after 7:30 a.m. regarding a person in distress, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
A spokesperson from the OCSO noted, “A man in his 60s became symptomatic and was taken to a local hospital where he unfortunately died. There are no signs of foul play.” The Contemporary Resort, which charges over $1,000 per night, is also known for being a site where multiple suicides have occurred.
In July 2023, a man was found dead under similar circumstances at the same resort.
According to a guest’s post, the security measures in place that morning impacted access to the Contemporary on the fifth-floor bridge. Police confirmed the incident in an official statement.
The Contemporary Hotel is renowned among the numerous hotels at Disney World, providing a direct monorail connection to Magic Kingdom and other locations. Within the resort, guests can enjoy dining at Chef Mickey’s, where characters like Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto entertain visitors.
Jim Hill previously discussed the unsettling association between the Contemporary Resort and suicides on his podcast, “Disney Dish.” He remarked that some individuals, despite grappling with severe depression, choose to visit Disney World to create one last joyful memory with family before taking drastic actions.
