A Disneyland employee was killed in the line of duty after being thrown from a broken-down golf cart that was being driven “recklessly” behind the scenes at the Southern California theme park, friends and authorities said Saturday.
Bonnie Mavis Lear, manager of the park’s upscale club, Club 33, suffered serious injuries after hitting her head about 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Anaheim Police Sergeant John McClintock said.
She was rushed to hospital where she died from her injuries two days later on Friday.
Police have released few details about the incident, which they have called a road accident, but Leah’s colleague said the driver “recklessly” hit a bump in the road, causing Leah to be thrown from the cart.
Leah was riding in a rear-facing seat in the brand new kart, which was traveling at 20 mph behind Critter County, a temporarily closed area of the park, when the vehicle suddenly lurched, said Ray Delgado, an attraction cast member at Disney’s California Adventure. I wrote on Facebook.
“She attempted to grab hold of the railing, which gave way and threw her from the vehicle. It is unknown whether passengers were aware she had fallen,” Delgado wrote.
Delgado added that Leah suffered severe head trauma and a skull fracture that could not be repaired through surgery.
Disneyland employees also accused managers at the Anaheim resort of instructing cast members to keep quiet about the circumstances of King Lear’s death.
“It didn’t need to end up like this. This whole mess could have been avoided if the golf cart driver hadn’t been driving recklessly,” she continued.
“The golf cart in the entertainment department was brand new, how could it have been broken down?! It’s so unfair to us and our family.”
Disneyland did not immediately respond to The Washington Post’s questions about the various allegations.
Lear worked at Disneyland for 24 years, most recently at Club 33 in member support services.
The members-only club is made up of several private dining clubs located within the various Disney parks, giving busy guests the opportunity to escape the crowds.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of Bonnie and our deepest condolences go out to all who cared for her,” Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock said in a statement.
“At this time, our focus is on supporting her family and cast members through this tragic event and ensuring they have the resources they need.”
Anaheim police are investigating Lear’s death.
