Drayton Manor Park: Mum dies in front of teenage daughter after riding on Maelstrom

August 5th, 2012 → 4:25 pm @

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  • Carla Knight fell unconscious after taking a ride on Maelstrom at Drayton Manor Park
  • 42-year-old died at the scene in front of family members despite attempts by first-aiders to save her

By
Anthony Bond


PUBLISHED:

13:01, 5 August 2012

|

UPDATED:

17:19, 5 August 2012

Tragic: Carla Knight, pictured, died in front of her family after getting off a white knuckle thrill ride at Drayton Manor Park in Tamworth, Staffordshire

A mum has died in front of her family after getting off a white knuckle thrill ride at a popular theme park.

Carla Knight fell unconscious after taking a ride on Maelstrom at Drayton Manor Park in Tamworth, Staffordshire.

The 42-year-old died at the scene despite attempts by first-aiders and paramedics from an air ambulance team to save her.

The £1 million attraction, which invites visitors to ‘Experience the Eye of the Storm’ was closed for several hours as police searched the area before confirming there were no suspicious circumstances.

Colin Bryan, managing director at
Drayton Manor Park, said: ‘On Friday, a woman aged 42 was at the park
enjoying a day out when sadly, having left the Maelstrom ride, she
passed away after having a cardiac arrest.

‘The on-site first aid team and all emergency services acted quickly as well as on off-duty doctor who assisted immediately.

‘Our wishes and thoughts are with her family and friends at this devastating time.’

It is believed Mrs Knight, a mum of two
who used to live in Nuneaton, Warwickshire and now lives in Leicester,
was on a day out with family including her teenage daughter.

Yesterday her daughter left a message on her Facebook page simply saying ‘RIP Momma I Love You.’

Rescue attempts: Mrs Knight fell unconscious after taking a ride on Maelstrom. pictured. The 42-year-old died at the scene despite attempts by first-aiders and paramedics from an air ambulance team to save her

A spokesman for Staffordshire Police
said: ‘We were called to a report of a collapsed woman at Drayton Manor
Park just after 11.35am on Friday 3 August.

‘Officers attended and sadly, colleagues from the ambulance service confirmed the woman had died.

Sad: It is believed the mum of two was on a day out with family including her teenage daughter when the incident happened on Friday

‘We can confirm there are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be prepared for Her Majesty’s Coroner.’

Maelstrom lets thrill seekers swing more than 20 feet off the ground in suspended seats at more than 20mph.

The Swiss made ride is described as going ‘Beyond the limit!’

It is also promoted as being: ‘A million pound stomach-churning gyro-swing that makes you face outwards!

‘This amazing thrill ride swings to a height of 22.5 metres and spins at the same time.’

It was opened by pop group Hearsay in April 2002.

Drayton Manor Theme Park attracts more than one million visitors a year, its attractions include Europe’s only stand-up roller coaster.

In October 2010 riders on the G-Force Roller Coaster at Drayton Manor Theme Park were stuck for nearly an hour after it came to a sudden standstill.

Maintenance Engineers had to rescue the thrill seekers from the trapped cars and the ride was shut down for a safety inspection.

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I was warned by my cardiac doc to beware of these rides as a sudden drop in blood pressure whilst on the ride or soon after can cause cardiac arrest. It didn’t stop me riding them tho . . .

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So sad! Her poor family. RIP xx

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sad time for this family. my thoughts are with them. x

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Article source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2183948/Drayton-Manor-Park-Mum-dies-teenage-daughter-riding-Maelstrom.html?ITO=1490

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