Natural Causes to Blame in Death of Child Found Unconscious on Roller Coaster

The 10-year-old girl found unconscious in a roller coaster car at the end of a ride at Six Flag Magic Mountain died of natural causes, authorities said today.

A doctor at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center reported that the child died of natural causes, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s Assistant Chief Ed Winter, who said the coroner’s office wasn’t handling the case.

Winter said the girl’s family objected to having an autopsy done “and since the doctor at Cedars said he would sign the death certificate, it was not a coroner’s case.”

Winter said he did not have further details on the cause of death. Jasmine Martinez of the Ventura County community of Somis died Saturday, Winter said.

Firefighters were summoned to the Valencia theme park at 4:09 p.m. Friday, and the child, accompanied by one of her parents, was airlifted to a hospital about 4:45 p.m., according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

“We were deeply saddened to learn that Jasmine Martinez, who was transported to the hospital after riding Revolution on June 12 has died,” according to a statement from the theme park.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Jasmine’s family and friends during this difficult time. Jasmine came into the ride station unconscious and was treated at the scene and airlifted immediately to an area hospital,” the statement continued.

Authorities gave the OK to re-open the ride Monday night.

City News Service

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons