Fourth of July Monorail Incident

[DDuckLover]

My thoughts and prayers go out to the CM and his family. This is truly a tragedy. I'm still in a bit of shock that it happened...I think it's safe to say that all of CMs are mourning his loss.

[Syndrome]

This has cast a huge pall over Celebration because he was very close with at least one family here in town and graduated from Celebration High School two years ago. Mr. Syndrome and I were out most of the day and left before learning his identity, so I was worred all day it was someone from here...not that it makes it any better that he wasn't.

A guest actually shot some video right in the aftermath. I felt creep about embedding it in an article, so I did one and linked it with a warning. There is no blood and gore, but it's just very disturbing to know what just happened and that the driver is in there...it nearly brought me to tears as I watched. But it might be of interest to those who know how this might have happened to see if it seems to add up by seeing the immediate aftermath. The link to my story is http://bit.ly/HGcfM but you have to find and click the link to actually see the clip...I wanted to make sure it was buried an extra layer so people didn't see it accidentally who don't want to.

[Sioban]

I just heard about this. It's just awful. My heartfelt sympathies to the family and all the monorail CMs.

[idratherbeinwdw]

BW, I don't post here a lot, but I lurk often. I am very glad you're OK.

I am stunned and saddened to hear about this terrible tragedy. I've been in the front cab as a guest many times, and have always enjoyed talking to the pilots when I'm up there. Whatever the circumstances turn out to be that caused this awful accident, my heart goes out to the family and friends of the young man who was killed.

[techie-13]

I'm glad that our SGT pilots are okay. I'm sorry to hear about the CM who died. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and his fellow CM's at this terrible time.

[HarryFromMarydelDE]

I was very sorry to hear about this accident this afternoon, I was working in Tomorrowland last night when it happened but we didn't hear about it. Like a lot of people my first thought was to make sure it wasn't someone I know. I'm glad it wasn't anyone from the forum but I am still sorry for the driver and his family.

-Harry

[DonohoFlnkr]

I've lurked here for a few years but have never registered. I've read WB's comments and he was the first I thought of as well. Monorail Red was the next.

I would just like to take the time to send my deepest condolences to the family of this young man and to his work family. The CMs give so much of their lives to make our all too brief stays in the World enjoyable, it is sad when one truly gives their life.

[drcorey]

I would be interested in hearing what happened also.
the computer would never let 2 trains get so close to each other.
unless it was over ridden on purpose. and if it fails I thought it was suppost to stop all the trains in the system.

here is vegas we have mark VI's totally computer operated.

[Zazu]

I just saw Austin's photograph. I knew him.

Not well, just to trade remarks about how bad Aramark food is, but that's one of the fundamental bonds all cast members share.

"Big goofy kid having the time of his life," is how I'd describe him from our brief contacts. Here he is, a monorail pilot at 21, when I had to wait until I was 45 before I could become a Disney railroad conductor. No wonder he had an easy smile.

I curse this surgery now that will likely prevent me attending a memorial service to represent those cast who will be working that day and to show his family how large his impact.

Oh bother, now *I* need a hankie, and I'd been doing so well today!

[ktulu]

Oh bother, now *I* need a hankie, and I'd been doing so well today!

I saw his picture, and while I did not know him, I have been fighting the need for a hankie. I hate to see my friends (even though I have not met many of you, I still consider you friends) hurt.