Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, reported three guest fatalities over a 10-day span in October 2025, prompting discussions on safety and mental health at the resort.
On October 14, Summer Equitz, a 31-year-old Disney enthusiast, died at Disney’s Contemporary Resort near Magic Kingdom Park. The Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled her death a suicide, citing multiple blunt impact injuries from a fall.
On October 21, a man in his 60s experienced a medical emergency at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died. Officials attributed his death to a pre-existing medical condition.
Matthew Cohn, a 28-year-old guest, died on October 23 at Bay Lake Tower. Authorities determined Cohn’s death was a suicide, with the medical examiner noting multiple traumatic injuries as the cause. Investigations by police found no evidence of foul play in any of the cases.
The Contemporary Resort, featuring a 14-story A-frame structure with a monorail track, was the site of two deaths. Reports indicate that hotel staff were advised to shield guests from police activity during the incidents.
These incidents bring the number of deaths at Walt Disney World since its 1971 opening to 68. This figure spans over five decades at one of the top global theme park destinations.
Despite the recent incidents, experts note that deaths at theme parks are infrequent. Industry analysts suggest that fatalities are often linked to medical issues or personal matters rather than ride-related accidents. The Fort Wilderness death aligns with this observation, as it was due to a medical event.
The Contemporary Resort’s monorail access and proximity to Magic Kingdom Park make it a favored choice among visitors.
Investigations into the circumstances of each death continue, with officials confirming the causes and manners of death for all three individuals. The Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted examinations, while local law enforcement coordinated with Disney security personnel.
Walt Disney World has not released a public statement regarding the deaths. The involved resorts remain open and operational, and no changes to safety protocols have been announced.
The incidents, occurring over a span of 10 days, represent an unusual occurrence at the resort. While Walt Disney World sees millions of visitors annually, multiple deaths in such a short period are statistically rare.
During the same month, a woman in her 60s died after riding the Haunted Mansion attraction at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, a death attributed to a health issue experienced during or after the ride. Disneyland had also seen a series of fatal falls from parking garages in the previous year.
Officials confirmed that the two suicides at the Contemporary Resort are unrelated, and the medical episode at Fort Wilderness is similarly unconnected to the other cases.
Bay Lake Tower, where Cohn died, is part of the Disney Vacation Club timeshare program. It is linked to the Contemporary Resort by a skywalk bridge, offering views of Magic Kingdom and monorail access.
Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, where the medical emergency occurred, spans 750 acres and offers various accommodations and activities. It is located on Bay Lake, separate from the main theme park areas but accessible by boat and bus.
Walt Disney World maintains normal operations across all properties. The Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower remain open to guests, with no reported changes to check-in procedures. Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground continues to welcome guests.