Darien Lake - Incidents

Incidents

• On May 16, 1999, a 365 lb (165 kg) guest was unable to close his lap bar properly and was ejected and fell approximately 9 feet (2.7 m) from the Superman - Ride of Steel roller coaster as the ride went over a camel hump hill, suffering serious injuries. He sued the park and the ride manufacturer for negligence, and was awarded US$3.95 million. Seatbelts and an extra brake segment before the final hill were added to the coaster after the incident.
• On September 6, 2009, the body of a Pennsylvania man, William Sutherland, who had been reported missing the day before was found in one of the small lakes inside the parking lot. The cause of death has not yet been determined.
• On July 8, 2011, an Iraq War veteran, Army Sgt. James Hackemer, 29, who had lost both legs in a roadside bomb attack in 2008 fell to his death from the Ride of Steel. The ride was closed, but reopened after the death was deemed operator error. Hackemer should not have been allowed on the roller coaster due to his physical condition.