Man dies after riding roller coaster at Busch Gardens

Wednesday morning update:

New information should be released today regarding the 52-year-old man who died hours after he got off a roller coaster at Busch Gardens. The Hillsborough County medical examiner's office says its plans to have additional details today.

Tuesday evening story:

By: Beau Zimmer

Tampa, Florida - A Palm Harbor man has died after riding a roller coaster at Busch Gardens.

Thomas Welch, 52, apparently said he didn't feel well after riding Gwazi Monday morning.

Emergency crews at the park gave him CPR. He died later at University Community Hospital.

He apparently died of a heart attack, according to a statement released by the attraction.

Busch Gardens officials say signs warn guests suffering from heart conditions to avoid their high velocity rides. Some guests say they worry about the theme park's roller coasters causing medical problems.

Orest Katolyk, Busch Garden Visitor

“I would get shortness of breath and chest pains… so that’s why I don’t go on them. An older person with heart problems may have the same results.”

Here's some information we found on the RCDB.

Roller Coaster: Gwazi

Amusement Park: Busch Gardens Africa (Tampa, Florida 33612 USA)

Type: Wood

Status: Operating since 6/18/1999

Builder: Great Coasters International

Cost: $10,000,000 USD

Capacity: 2880 riders per hour Track: Lion / YellowTiger / Blue

Length: 3400'3400'

Height: 90'90' Inversions: 00 Speed: 50 mph50 mph

Duration: 2:302:30 GForce: 3.53.5 Trains: 4 trains with 6 cars per train. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 24 riders per train.

Trains: Riders must be 48" or taller to ride.

Theme: Gwazi was a mythological creature that had the head of a tiger and the body of a lion. Features: Dueling tracks with 6 near misses.

Media Statement

July 25, 2006

Busch Gardens is saddened that park guest Thomas Welch of Palm Harbor died after suffering an apparent heart attack while visiting the park on Monday, July 24. We extend our deepest sympathy to the Welch family.

Mr. Welch asked park attendants for assistance after exiting the Gwazi roller coaster. He was responsive when First Aid arrived two minutes later, but subsequently required CPR, which was initiated immediately. First Aid also applied an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to monitor Mr. Welch's heart activity.

Tampa Fire Rescue arrived about seven minutes later and transported Mr. Welch to University Community Hospital.

Gwazi is a double wooden roller coaster that opened in 1999. It reaches speeds of 50 mph over 3,400 feet of track. The coaster's safety systems indicated that the ride was operating normally, and it was reopened following Mr. Welch's transport to the hospital. Gwazi has safely entertained millions of riders in its seven-year history.

We will continue to do our utmost to provide a safe and enjoyable experience at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for the millions of guests who visit us each year.

Signs warn guests about possible health risks:

Busch Gardens, Gwazi Warning Sign

“This ride, by its very nature, creates forces and speeds that may or may not be acceptable to some persons, and may cause injury to some riders with pre-existing conditions. Guests with any type of prosthesis should ensure that it is properly secured and will remain in place during the ride. Riders must be in good health. Those who have had recent surgery, those with high blood pressure, heart conditions, neck or back problems, expectant mothers, and those with any impairment or condition that would prevent normal seating or use of the safety restraints as provided should not board this ride.”