Five Deaths Reported at Disney World in Less Than a Month
Five people have died at Walt Disney World in Florida in less than a month, according to the Orange County Medical Examiner's Office.
The most recent death occurred November 8 at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort. Details surrounding the incident remain unclear, the medical examiner told TMZ.
This marks the fifth death in a troubling string of fatalities at Disney properties in recent weeks. Two were apparent suicides.
The Timeline and Locations
October 14: A 31-year-old woman died by suicide at Disney's Contemporary Resort.
Late October: A man in his 60s died after suffering a medical episode at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground.
Late October: Matthew Cohn, 28, died by suicide after jumping from a height at the Contemporary Resort.
November 2: A woman in her 40s was transported to Celebration Hospital, where she died. The Orange County Sheriff's Office confirmed the death but details remain limited.
November 8: Death at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort. Details unclear.
What We Know
Two deaths were confirmed suicides. One resulted from a medical episode. The circumstances surrounding the other two deaths haven't been publicly disclosed yet.
Disney World properties span thousands of acres and host tens of millions of visitors annually. Hotels on Disney property function like any other hotels—people stay there for extended periods, and unfortunately, deaths can occur for various reasons.
The concentration of five deaths in less than a month is unusual, though it's unclear if there's any connection between them beyond timing and location.
Context Matters
Disney World is massive. The resort employs over 75,000 people and welcomes millions of visitors annually. Multiple hotels operate on the property, housing thousands of guests at any given time.
With that many people present, deaths will occur. Medical emergencies happen. Some people travel to Disney World while dealing with health issues. Others experience medical crises while there.
Suicides can happen anywhere, including tourist destinations. People experiencing mental health crises don't stop having them because they're at Disney World.
That said, five deaths in less than a month at various Disney properties is notable enough that authorities are documenting them and the medical examiner's office is investigating circumstances.
What Disney Says
Disney hasn't issued public statements about the deaths. TMZ reached out to the company but didn't receive a response for their article.
Standard practice for hotels and resorts is to cooperate with law enforcement and medical examiners investigating deaths on their property while respecting the privacy of the deceased and their families.
Disney likely won't comment publicly on individual deaths out of respect for families and because investigations are ongoing.
The Bigger Picture
Mental health crises don't take vacations. Neither do medical emergencies. Disney World being a vacation destination doesn't make it immune to the realities of life and death.
Two confirmed suicides in one month at Disney properties raises questions about mental health resources and crisis intervention available at major tourist destinations. But it's unclear whether additional resources would have prevented these specific tragedies.
The man in his 60s who died from a medical episode could have had an underlying condition. Medical emergencies happen without warning.
The two deaths with unclear circumstances might be natural causes, accidents, or something else entirely. Until the medical examiner releases more information, speculation doesn't help anyone.
What Happens Next
The Orange County Medical Examiner's Office will continue investigating the deaths with unclear circumstances. Once investigations conclude, more details may become public.
Disney World will continue operating. Security and medical staff will continue responding to emergencies. And unfortunately, given the sheer number of people present at Disney properties at any time, more deaths will eventually occur there just as they do everywhere else.
For Anyone Struggling
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources, and best practices for professionals in the United States.