Safety at Walt Disney World is under scrutiny following three deaths in ten days

Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, has witnessed three deaths in just 10 days, raising concerns about safety and well-being in the theme park that attracts over 50 million visitors each year. 

The latest incident involved a man, identified as 28-year-old Matthew Cohn, who allegedly took his own life at the Contemporary Resort hotel. 

A TikTok video showed police tape and at least a dozen officers swarming around the site close to the Bay Lake Tower outside the Contemporary Resort hotel.

"We woke up to a VERY large law enforcement outside our balcony this morning at Disney’s Bay Lake Tower. We were told it was a ‘medical emergency’. Prayers to the family & those involved!" @aiotfamily in the caption.

A second hotel guest, @alwayz.autumn, commented that she saw the victim being given CPR.

"Saw his body when they were doing CPR. He did not make it. Unsure if he fell or jumped. They knocked on our door as well and told us not to look out the window and that there was a medical emergency.

"Have not heard or confirmed anything as we left to go to the parks shortly after. Sad situation all around for everyone involved."

@Justin.Byrd22 said: "This really kills the magic. Hopefully, they are able to better prepare and address these kinds of unfortunate events."

This death comes just days after 31-year-old Summer Equitz, a former Disneyland performer and superfan, died by suicide at Disney World’s Contemporary Resort in Orlando, and a man in his 60s succumbed to a pre-existing medical condition at the Fort Wilderness campground. 

These deaths bring the total number of deaths at the park since it opened in 1971 to 68.

The first recorded death at Disney World occurred three years after its grand opening in 1974, when a carpenter, Robert Marshall, died after a light bulb filament ignited fumes from glue he was using to repair a boat.

Meanwhile, Disney World has faced legal challenges related to guest safety.

In 2023, a man filed a lawsuit against the theme park when his wife allegedly died from food allergies while visiting the park. The case is still being resolved, with Disney denying the claims.

Other unusual deaths include a person found dead in a burning car near Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course in 2018 and in 2006, a six-year-old terminal cancer patient who fainted right after riding Space Mountain while visiting as part of the Give Kids the World program.