An unfortunate incident occurred at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California when Bonnye Mavis Lear, a longtime employee, lost her life after being thrown from a moving golf cart. The incident happened behind the scenes at the park on Wednesday morning, June 5, 2024, around 11:30 a.m. PST, and emergency services were immediately dispatched to the location.
Living in Fullerton, 60-year-old Lear had been part of the Disneyland team for 24 years. She was recently working with membership services at Club 33, a private dining club in the New Orleans Square section of the park. The club, located above the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, was established in 1967, drawing inspiration from executive VIP lounges at the 1964 New York World’s Fair.
On the day of the accident, Lear occupied a rear-facing seat in the golf cart alongside three other passengers. The vehicle was traveling at about 20 mph when it encountered a bump or dip in the road. Lear attempted to hold onto the handrail, but it gave way, resulting in her ejection from the cart. She sustained serious injuries, including a fractured skull and brain swelling, from the fall and was rushed to a nearby hospital in a critical state. Despite the best medical efforts, Lear succumbed to her injuries two days later.
Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock expressed profound grief over Lear’s death, stating, “We are devastated by Bonnye’s passing and extend our deepest sympathies to all who knew her. Our priority now is to support her family and our staff during this difficult time, ensuring they have the necessary resources.”
The accident is currently under investigation by the Anaheim Police Department. Certain colleagues, including Rae Delgado, a cast member of Disney California Adventure Attractions, have accused Disneyland management of encouraging staff to stay quiet about Lear’s accident. Delgado detailed the incident on Facebook, stating that reckless driving of the golf cart could have been avoided.
Friends and colleagues of Lear have since come forward to express their condolences and share memories of her commitment and contributions to the Disneyland community. They described Lear as “one of the kindest people you would meet.”
This unfortunate incident is not an isolated event at Disney theme parks. Over the years, both Disneyland and Disney World have seen several fatal accidents involving guests and employees. Some notable events include the death of a monorail pilot in 2009, a four-year-old boy collapsing on the Mission: Space ride in 2005, and various other accidents involving rides and attractions. These occurrences underline the continuous safety challenges faced by Disney theme parks in running their extensive operations while ensuring the safety of millions of visitors each year.
As the investigation into this incident continues, the Disneyland Resort community is in mourning for the loss of a cherished and respected member.
