US

Three-Year-Old Boy Dies After Fall From Chicago Roller Coaster

CHICAGO (AP) — Authorities say a 3-year-old boy fell out of a roller coaster and has died at an amusement park in a Chicago suburb.

Authorities say the boy was riding the Python Pit roller coaster about 7 p.m. Saturday with his twin brother when he slipped under a safety bar and fell off the ride in the northwest suburban of Norridge.

Police Chief James Jobe tells the Chicago Tribune he thinks the boy met all the requirements for the ride. He says the incident at the amusement park Go Bananas appears to be a tragic accident.

The boy was from Dolton, about 20 miles south of Chicago. His identity has not been released.

Comments (68)

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  • searching for the Truth
    Posted on April 3, 2011 at 3:00pm

    I promise you, he will be with the Lord.

    Report Post »  
    • Dick Blitskreig
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 4:42pm

      Or In hell.
      Either one works.

      Report Post » Dick Blitskreig  
    • Cesium
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 6:55pm

      try not to write checks you can’t cash searching for truth… I wouldn‘t promise anything you don’t have knowledge off… yea why not hell? I love it; heaven and hell.. so simple… must be true

      Report Post »  
  • The Gooch
    Posted on April 3, 2011 at 2:47pm

    If the ride in question is the one shown in the video, it looks age appropriate. Bad things happen. That does not alleviate the loss of the family. We tend to kill ourselves with our fun and, more often, getting to and from our fun. No one, not even the all mighty govt., can stop random tragedy. But we sure can limit freedom and risk.
    Don’t go nuts ranting at the parents. That’s mean-spirited and assumes nothing random and tragic could ever happen in your perfectly controlled world. Yeah, right. Not the time to dog pile on a family. Show your support and understanding or shut the hell up. It’s not like they threw the kid on some Six Flags monstrosity.

    Report Post »  
    • axel@25
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 3:10pm

      Gooch; thanks for your (all too rare) voice of sanity.

      Let the parents grieve, try not to blame your pet “boogeyman” for some evil plot. Let the investigation determine if there is fault with the manufacturer, the operator, the parents…then make some fully informed comments.

      Report Post »  
    • axel@25
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 3:15pm

      Oh yeah…don’t assume the ride that the child died on is in ANY way the same as the ride in the video…they clearly state that it’s NOT the ride in question…only the same style from the manufacturer. The only similarity may be the “cars” themselves …the track lenght, height, number of turns and radius of turns may be completely different.

      Report Post »  
    • looseyloo
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 5:15pm

      It is not “age appropriate” if there are two riders in the car and neither one of them is over 3 years old. You can see from the pictures that some of the “age appropriate” coaster cars have adults sitting in them, with a child. It is not because the cars are “age appropriate” for adults.

      Report Post »  
  • dontbotherme
    Posted on April 3, 2011 at 2:32pm

    I feel so sorry for the family of this little boy. My heart breaks for all involved. God, please bless all of these people & help them get through their pain of loosing a child in such a tragic way.

    Report Post »  
  • 98ZJUSMC
    Posted on April 3, 2011 at 2:29pm

    I blame the parents for utter stupidity as well as the operators for allowing the parents to let 3 year olds onto the ride.

    Exactly.

    Report Post » 98ZJUSMC  
  • FIGHTTHEPROPAGANDA
    Posted on April 3, 2011 at 2:21pm

    OMG, that amusement center is two miles from where I live. I’ve taken my own children on that ride many times. How scary and sad. Glad we weren’t there that day.

    Report Post »  
  • angelcat
    Posted on April 3, 2011 at 1:45pm

    anti_spock, this administration would rather ban 3 year olds by making sure they are aborted and never born. I too have lost a child, so my heart goes out to the parents who are in incredible pain. May they find comfort in their faith, family, and friends.

    Report Post »  
  • texanpatriot
    Posted on April 3, 2011 at 1:34pm

    Lord bless and comfort these parents and the twin brother who witnessed this terrible accident. The parents have already been punished! They will live their lives without their little boy. The kid who let these twins on will have to second guess himself and also live with it.
    When I was growing up there were still such things as accidents. Things happened in an imperfect world. Now is causes the Feds to fly in, lawyers all over the parents and all roller coasters to be outlawed, and such.
    The Parents and the park already know how this happened. This reads like a terrible laspe in judgement for all concerned.

    Report Post » texanpatriot  
    • IBLEEDREDWHITEANDBLUE
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 1:53pm

      I too hail from a time a skinned knees, broken bone, and yes even tragic accidents. Now fear and government regulations are the order of the day. But stupidity can’t be regulated. Inattention can’t be regulated. Tragic accidents still happen.

      Report Post » IBLEEDREDWHITEANDBLUE  
  • Chicago Ray
    Posted on April 3, 2011 at 1:29pm

    Sorry for the board whoring here: :(

    Typo correction: Dolton nor Norridge are Northwest Suburbs of Chicago should obviously read “ARE NOT NW BURBS” and aren’t even close. If they lie about that, how can you trust anything they say? You can’t, that‘s why I’m railing on this PC report.

    Report Post » One Man Progressive Wrecking Crew  
    • LINDA L
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 8:56pm

      Excuse me
      If Norridge is not n.w. burb what is it???
      Ilived there for 13 yrs. I thought it was!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • LINDA L
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 8:58pm

      If Norridge is not a n.w. burb what is it??
      Ilived there for 13 yrs. Ithought it was!!!!!!

      Report Post »  
  • looseyloo
    Posted on April 3, 2011 at 1:26pm

    A 3 year-old does not belong on a roller coaster. It is not about whether the child meets some height requirement– good judgement and common sense have to come into play at some point. In this case, there were two of them– the child was sitting next to his twin brother.

    It is a very sad story, but it is also one of great stupidity. Putting 3 year old twins on a roller coaster is reckless.

    Also, the operators of the ride should have better standards. Common sense may elude the parents, but those who run these rides cannot allow the standard to be left to the parents. That just puts standards at the lowest common denominator.

    Report Post »  
  • Chicago Ray
    Posted on April 3, 2011 at 1:09pm

    From the Sun TImes: “Jayson Dansby, 3, of the 15300 block of Evers Street in Dolton, was dead on the scene, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office”

    From the US Census Bureau: There were 8,512 households out of which 41.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.6% were married couples living together, 26.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.7% were non-families. 20.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

    Report Post » One Man Progressive Wrecking Crew  
  • vceallaigh
    Posted on April 3, 2011 at 1:00pm

    My 3 and 4 year old wanted to ride this coaster at our county fair. I was uncomfortable about the way the kids appeared to be jerked around and insisted on riding with them. I literally had to brace my feet in the corners to keep from crushing them as we were whipped around . First thing I said after exiting was “Thank God I did not let them ride alone.“ ”Hindsight is 20/20″ and I’m guessing at some point we have all let our child participate in something that we later thought might not have been a good idea. As parents, we make decisions for our children everyday, not every decision will be the right one. Maybe you decided to let your small child ride in the front seat behind the airbag because you were only running down the street to the convenience store, seems harmless but kids have been killed in this exact scenario. Hopefully we learn from our own mistakes and have enough wisdom to learn from the mistakes of others. Unfortunately, this decision ended in a tragedy that I’m sure they will most likely never forgive themselves. Instead of condemning these parents learn from them. Will you now put your child or grandchild on this ride or a similar one? They were at a small county fair with thoughts of having fun with their children. I pray, Lord, please be with them in this time of tragedy.

    Report Post »  
  • sadmanwhossane
    Posted on April 3, 2011 at 12:35pm

    what does gold have to do with a the tragic death of a 3 year old? morons.

    Report Post »  
  • missmarie
    Posted on April 3, 2011 at 12:06pm

    Very sad story! My thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, community, and amusement park employees – may they be surrounded by caring and compassionate people at this difficult time. All involved will be second guessing themselves and their decisions for the rest of their lives, really no need for me to do that.

    Report Post » missmarie  
  • obama_binpharteen
    Posted on April 3, 2011 at 11:51am

    If the 3 y/o boy met all the requirements for the ride, why on Earth did he slip under a safety bar and fall off the ride?

    Report Post » obama_binpharteen  
    • teachermitch32
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 11:59am

      And…what about the seat belt? They did state that it had the redundant safty feature. Many at fault here. Sad situation, to say the least.

      Report Post »  
    • RockstarRepublic
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 12:29pm

      Dont forget, a 3 year old might have intentionally crawled out from beneath the safety bar. To a 3 year old, climbing out of a moving cart might be part of the “game” or response.

      Report Post » RockstarRepublic  
  • Mamasaun
    Posted on April 3, 2011 at 11:50am

    It’s sad and tragic, and I am sure the parents are second guessing their decision, but all in all it was an accident and something they will have to live with the rest of their lives. God Bless the family during this very difficult time.

    Report Post »  
  • athanasius1812
    Posted on April 3, 2011 at 11:38am

    For those of you commenting about the “stupid parents.”

    You don’t know anything about the situation. I suspect that the roller coaster was specifically designed for children, in which case adults wouldn’t fit in the seats. That would also explain why the two boys were on the coaster. This sounds to me like…..wait for it…..an accident. Does anyone else but me remember a time when accidents happened and the knee jerk response of blaming somebody for simple misfortune was looked upon with disfavor?

    Report Post »  
    • RockstarRepublic
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 12:26pm

      Did you even bother watching the video? Adults are sitting quite comfortably in the coaster as well.

      Furthermore, I dont care if its made for new borns, no intelligent parent would think a baby belongs on any form of roller coaster. Just because a coaster exists doesnt mean a 3 year old belongs in one. Small children like that do not have the mental capacity to know why they need to stay inside the cart.

      Report Post » RockstarRepublic  
    • looseyloo
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 1:40pm

      You “suspect” the coaster was made for young kids ? And you are telling others they don’t know anything about the situation ? What kind of roller coaster is made for 3 year olds ?

      Nobody in their right mind allows two three year olds to go on a roller coaster. Not the parents. Not the ride operators. There is no upside to that sort of judgement.

      You need to re-think your position.

      Report Post »  
  • Ponyexpress
    Posted on April 3, 2011 at 11:33am

    What we need are more regulations on each and every ride, so that nobody can affford them. Let’s see who else we can put out of business.
    We should have representatives of the FDA, EPA, OSHA, EEOC, Dep of Transportation, DEA, ATF , Energy dept, at each and every ride to make sure that “idiot” ride operators, manufacturers and “stupid” parents have “govment” make all the correct decisions for them.
    Where was the adult in this tragedy?

    Report Post » Ponyexpress  
  • SIHKS1120
    Posted on April 3, 2011 at 11:18am

    how horrible for the parents!!! but accidents happen i wonder whos to blame for this???oh here come the lawsuits and finally no more kiddie rides!!!! lol thats america for you in this day and age!!!!!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • Sinista MACE
    Posted on April 3, 2011 at 11:12am

    Just in case some of you forgot, you’re not supposed to pray to God in public.

    What are you trying to do, impress someone?

    Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • teachermitch32
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 11:56am

      I’m going, _________ for this little one and his family. Anyone want to join me in ________.

      There….is that better. If two or more of you are gathered in my name, there i will be in your midst.

      Report Post »  
    • IBLEEDREDWHITEANDBLUE
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 1:41pm

      Impress anyone? Now that’s an interesting thought. Christians are not allowed to pray in public but all other religions can. Hmmmm. Sorry. Politically correct is not something we believers are going to bow to. We will pray whenever and WHEREVER prayer is needed. Lord, be with this family in their time of grief.

      Report Post » IBLEEDREDWHITEANDBLUE  
  • tiredofprogressives
    Posted on April 3, 2011 at 11:02am

    What kind of STUPID PARENT would allow a 3 year old on a roller coaster.
    Either these parents should be given IQ test’s to see if they are capable of raising the other 3 year old or they need to see if they are Liberal Progressive Socialists Democrats and if that is the case they need to take away their voting rights and castrate them.

    Report Post » tiredofprogressives  
    • Guerrino_P
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 12:35pm

      @ TIREDOFPROGRESSIVES
      If the parents voted Republican, what should we do with them?

      Report Post »  
  • RockstarRepublic
    Posted on April 3, 2011 at 10:52am

    I am sorry but…WHO in their right mind puts a 3 year old on a roller coaster of ANY TYPE. Even if the child fits into the coaster, it does not mean they have the mental capacity to want to STAY INSIDE the coaster while it moves.

    I blame the parents for utter stupidity as well as the operators for allowing the parents to let 3 year olds onto the ride.

    Report Post » RockstarRepublic  
    • sbleve
      Posted on April 4, 2011 at 6:10am

      That is the question of this tragic child death. A tsunami is not an accident caused by an interpretive decision.

      Critical Thinking. An age old concept, but coined as such in the past 50 years. Common sense allows the application to ones witnessed experiences. What brings wisdom?

      A 3 year old has minimal rational platform experiences to make adult safety decisions.

      Report Post » sbleve  
  • MustComment
    Posted on April 3, 2011 at 10:46am

    A 3-year old left alone on a roller coaster? At age 3 you don’t leave a child alone anywhere! This is very sad.

    Report Post » MustComment  
    • chickenlittle
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 10:53am

      Agreed. Also note that the story says he was on it with his twin brother… so there were TWO of them??? I just can’t fathom the irresponsibility of the parent(s).

      Report Post » chickenlittle  
    • CatB
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 12:53pm

      Totally unnecessary tragedy … I doubt that the boys were of a height REASONABLE to go on .. they CERTAINLY we not at an age….. don’t they have “kiddie rides” … that is what my son did when he was little .. I would never have put him on an adult ride at 3 YEARS OLD! This is so sad .. for both the child that died and his twin will have to live with this the rest of his life. RIP little one.

      Report Post »  
    • grandmaof5
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 5:03pm

      Where, also, was the common sense of the operator. I would think he/she would have the last word on whether they should ride alone.

      Report Post »  
  • chickenlittle
    Posted on April 3, 2011 at 10:40am

    This is a terrible situation. I find it impossible to believe that a three-year-old can meet requirements for any roller coaster I’ve ever seen… and I’ve been to a lot of parks with my kids before.

    Report Post » chickenlittle  
  • 1proudAmerican
    Posted on April 3, 2011 at 10:34am

    A 3-year-old should not be on that ride without an adult. The parents are lucky that both boys were not killed.

    Report Post »  
    • Untameable-kate
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 10:45am

      My thoughts exactly. Why would anyone think it would be good for a child that young to be whipped around on a rollercoaster? I don’t care how badly the kid wanted to do it. Parents in this country have to realize that one little word can save their children from alot of pain and trouble…..no.

      Report Post » Untameable-kate  
    • walkwithme1966
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 11:42am

      Exactly – 2 three year olds should not be riding any ride at an amusement park by themselves – someone needs to punish the parents – this is terribl

      Report Post » walkwithme1966  
    • neverending
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 1:22pm

      What a horrible tragedy!! Common sense no longer exists today.

      Report Post »  
    • HEARDENOUGHCRAP
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 3:01pm

      I have seen this ride in action. It goes very slowly, and does not “whip” anyone around, but I agree that these children should not have been alone. There is usually always another older child one can find to ride with a smaller one, if you are alone with 2 children. Parents need to be more responsible regarding the safety of their children on these rides. OBSERVE how the ride operates, and THINK about the potential hazzards before consenting. If you are unable to ride WITH your smaller children, the answer is NO.

      Report Post »  
    • Robert-CA
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 5:39pm

      it’s a big tragic loss but it was avoidable too .

      Report Post » Robert-CA  
    • kindling
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 7:46pm

      Some little rollercoasters are for little kids only. We don’t know wiich kind this one was. It is always a risk to ride one of these no matter where or how big. If you want to make sure your kids are not harmed, don’t go to these parks. Other wise it is the risk that you could get hurt that makes the rides attractive to kids….and adults too for that matter.

      Report Post » kindling  
  • poverty.sucks
    Posted on April 3, 2011 at 10:27am

    Heavenly Father, take this child into your arms and lead us to wisdom.

    Report Post » poverty.sucks  
    • jhaydeng
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 10:39am

      Tough to hear when you have kids of your own. Heart goes out!

      Report Post »  
    • Stuck_in_CA
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 10:47am

      Another 3-year-old died this week in Ohio. He and his mom were crossing the street when a drunk, un-licensed, illegal alien hit them. He had been arrested, plead guilty and payed a fine prior to this.

      Report Post » Stuck_in_CA  
    • grandmaof5
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 10:51am

      The usual requirements are 48″ to be able to ride, that is a stretch for a 3yr old, and where was an adult. At age 3 you can barely keep them in their car seats, why would you allow them to ride by themselves? My heart goes out to this family but as an over-protective parent/grandparent, my heart just aches for a twin who will grow up alone.

      Report Post »  
    • EqualJustice
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 10:53am

      Stuck in CA – That is so sad and it never should happen. These criminlas should not even be here. Sorry to hear that. :(

      Report Post » EqualJustice  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 11:06am

      Amen. Rest in the arms of God little child, for your journey, short though it was, brought unlimited love and wonder into the world for so many of this time.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Anti_Spock
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 12:56pm

      Lets get the Govt involved and BAN roller coasters.

      Report Post » Anti_Spock  
    • mrsmileyface
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 1:19pm

      RIP kid. I wonder if the person who constructed it was Union?

      Report Post » mrsmileyface  
    • mrlogan3
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 1:49pm

      stuck_in_ca

      Only illegal aliens get drunk and run over kids? I think not…

      Report Post » TRUTH  
    • thegrassroots
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 2:31pm

      So Sad! Jesus please fill his family with Your Peace and Your Strength and the Knowing that he’s with You now and safe.

      Report Post »  
    • godlovinmom
      Posted on April 3, 2011 at 11:00pm

      by the looks of this roller coaster…doesn’t look like its for three year olds riding alone…so sad though…this bad decision costs them their child.

      Report Post » godlovinmom  
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