MASON, OH – A horrifying incident at Kings Island theme park in Mason, Ohio, has resulted in the death of a park visitor, officials confirmed Monday. Arntanaro Nelson, 38, from Wilmington, Ohio, succumbed to injuries sustained when he was struck by the Banshee roller coaster last Wednesday.
According to the Mason Police Department, Nelson entered a restricted area near the roller coaster around 8 p.m. and sustained a traumatic injury believed to be caused by contact with the moving ride. Despite immediate response from the park’s first aid team and subsequent hospitalization, Nelson died on Friday.
Justin Weber, the chief investigator for the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office, stated that an investigation into the cause of death is underway, with final autopsy results expected in eight to ten weeks.
The incident began when Nelson, according to witness accounts reported by Cincinnati ABC affiliate WCPO, lost an item on the ride and sought to retrieve it. After being informed by a park employee that retrieval could only occur after the ride’s closure, Nelson reportedly continued to loiter near the ride’s vicinity and eventually breached a restricted gate.
Witnesses also noted that Nelson was dressed similarly to park staff, which may have caused some confusion about his presence in the area.
Following the incident, the Banshee roller coaster was temporarily shut down for investigation but reopened on Saturday, as reported by The Cincinnati Enquirer.
Kings Island has expressed condolences and emphasized their commitment to safety guests and employees at the park. They are cooperating fully with authorities as police continue to investigate the fatal incident.