A tragic accident at Disneyland has resulted in the death of an employee.
Bonnye Mavis Lear, a dedicated worker at the renowned Club 33, succumbed to injuries from a golf cart incident.
According to the New York Post, on Wednesday morning at around 11:30 a.m., Norman Lear was riding in a brand-new golf cart in the backstage area near Critter County.
While seated in a rear-facing seat, the vehicle unexpectedly hit a bump at a speed of 20 mph, causing Lear to be ejected from the cart and resulting in severe injuries.
Authorities described the golf cart's motion as "reckless" at the time of the accident. Rae Delgado, a cast member at Disney California Adventure, recounted the unfortunate sequence of events on social media. Delgado highlighted the cart's speed and the eventual catastrophic results.
Lear's injuries were severe, including a fractured skull and significant head trauma. Despite immediate medical intervention, her condition deteriorated, and she passed away two days later, on Friday. The entertainment community at Disneyland, along with Lear's family, has been left in mourning.
Following the incident, Disneyland management remained silent about the details of the accident. However, Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock later addressed the tragedy. He extended his deepest sympathies to Lear's family and emphasized ongoing support for all affected employees.
Rae Delgado provided further insights into the event and its aftermath. Delgado expressed profound grief and frustration over the preventable nature of the accident. He recounted:
She went to grab the handrail, it gave way and sent her out of the vehicle. We do not know if the passengers were aware that she had fallen out.
Lear had been a Disneyland employee for 24 years, dedicating her career to enhancing visitors' experiences at Club 33. Her death raises concerns about safety protocols for employee transportation within the park.
The incident has sparked a broader discussion among Disneyland employees and guests alike about the safety measures in place and the accountability of those at the wheel. According to Delgado, the repercussions of the accident could have been avoided had it not been for the "reckless" driving.
The Anaheim police are currently investigating the incident as a traffic collision. This ongoing investigation seeks to clarify the sequence of events that led to such a tragic outcome and determine any potential breaches of safety protocols.
The loss of Bonnye Mavis Lear has deeply affected those who knew her and worked with her. Ken Potrock's statements reflect a commitment to supporting the bereaved and a focus on enhancing safety protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.
The tight-knit community at Disneyland and Club 33 continues to grieve and pay tribute to Lear, remembering her as a key part of their shared experiences and history. As investigations continue, there is a collective hope for justice and improvements that will safeguard all employees against similar tragedies.