3 dead at Disney World in a span of days, authorities investigating
In this DML Report…
Three separate deaths occurred at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, over a 10-day period, bringing the total number of fatalities at the park to 68 since its opening in 1971. The most recent incident involved a man in his 60s found at Disney's Contemporary Resort near Magic Kingdom, with the cause of death pending investigation by the Orange County Medical Examiner's Office. Another man in his 60s died from a pre-existing medical condition at the Fort Wilderness campground. The third death was that of 31-year-old Summer Equitz, a Disney enthusiast, at the Contemporary Resort in what authorities described as an apparent suicide.
Social media accounts captured responses to one of the incidents, with a TikTok user posting about a significant law enforcement presence at Disney’s Bay Lake Tower, including first responders and crime scene tape, initially described to them as a medical emergency. The user expressed condolences to those affected. Inquiries for further details were made to Walt Disney World and the Orange County Medical Examiner, but no immediate responses were provided.
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Podcast host Jim Hill previously noted a pattern where individuals facing severe depression visit Walt Disney World for a final positive family experience, often staying at the 14-story Contemporary Resort before taking their own lives. Specific details on the recent deaths at the resort remain undisclosed. For those experiencing thoughts of suicide, resources include the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).