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Heart Killed Man At Disney

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The Associated Press

Published: December 20, 2007

ORLANDO - A 44-year-old man who died after riding a Walt Disney World roller coaster had a heart condition that caused his death, a medical examiner said Wednesday.

Jeffery Reeb, 44, of Navarre, was pulled unresponsive from the Expedition Everest ride at Disney's Animal Kingdom about 12:50 p.m. Tuesday.

Autopsy results indicated Reeb died as result of a medical condition that left his heart enlarged and weakened, the Orange County Medical Examiner's Office said. He had a history of an irregular heartbeat, according to a statement.

Deputies said Reeb appeared to be conscious 50 seconds before the ride ended, because his photograph was taken then. He was administered CPR by Reedy Creek Emergency Services and pronounced dead at Celebration Hospital.

Everest debuted in 2006, simulating a runaway train ride through the Himalayas. Riders meet a giant animatronic yeti, traveling both forward and back to avoid the monster and the train tracks it mangled.

The ride reopened Tuesday afternoon after an inspection found it was operating properly.

Prior to Reeb's death, at least 15 people had died at Disney's theme parks in Florida and California since 1989, some with previous health conditions.

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