Woman Dies After Riding Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion

A woman in her 60s died Monday evening after riding Disneyland’s iconic Haunted Mansion attraction in Anaheim, California, authorities confirmed. The woman became unresponsive shortly after the ride ended, prompting park security and emergency responders to perform CPR before she was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

According to a statement from the Anaheim Police Department, the incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. local time. “Anaheim Fire & Rescue responded to the Disneyland Resort for an unresponsive woman in her 60s who had just finished riding the Haunted Mansion attraction,” an officer told reporters.

Park security reportedly began lifesaving efforts immediately, administering CPR until paramedics arrived. The woman was then transported to a local hospital, where she was declared deceased.

Police said the incident appeared to be a medical emergency rather than the result of a mechanical malfunction. “Out of respect for the family, no further details will be released. This appears to be an unfortunate medical episode, and our thoughts go out to the family,” the Anaheim Police Department said.

A Disneyland spokesperson also confirmed that a guest required medical treatment and was taken to the hospital Monday evening. The attraction was briefly closed but reopened soon afterward, as investigators determined there was no indication of any operating issue.

The Orange County Sheriff-Coroner will determine the official cause of death in the coming days.

A Ride Steeped in Disney Lore

The Haunted Mansion, which opened at Disneyland in 1969, is one of the park’s most enduring and beloved attractions. Known for its eerie atmosphere and dark humor, the slow-moving dark ride carries guests through a haunted estate inhabited by “999 happy haunts.”

While the attraction itself is not considered physically demanding, it does feature moments of darkness, sudden sounds, and small drops, which could pose risks for guests with certain medical conditions. The ride has long carried posted warnings advising guests with heart conditions, motion sickness, or other health issues to exercise caution.

Disneyland has not released any information about whether the guest had preexisting medical issues or if any symptoms were observed before the ride began.

Disneyland’s Safety Record and Past Incidents

Though Disneyland maintains one of the strongest safety records in the theme park industry, fatal incidents have occurred throughout its nearly 70-year history—though they are extremely rare.

In 2017, a man in his 20s died after collapsing near the park’s Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! attraction, though authorities later said it appeared to be due to a medical condition and not a malfunction.

In 2013, a woman reportedly suffered a heart attack after riding Radiator Springs Racers in Disney California Adventure, leading to an investigation that found no issues with the attraction.

The park’s most infamous fatal incidents occurred decades ago, often involving guests disregarding safety rules. In 1964, a 15-year-old boy was killed after attempting to stand up on the Matterhorn Bobsleds, and in 1984, another man died on the same ride after unbuckling his seatbelt mid-ride. In 1973, an 18-year-old drowned after attempting to swim across the Rivers of America following the park’s closure.

These tragedies prompted Disneyland and other Disney parks worldwide to introduce increasingly strict safety measures, including advanced ride monitoring systems, expanded signage, and on-site medical teams.

Emergency Response at the Park

Disneyland maintains one of the most comprehensive emergency response systems of any theme park in the world. Anaheim Fire & Rescue personnel are stationed near the park and trained to respond quickly to on-site medical calls.

In Monday’s case, park security reportedly reached the woman within moments of the ride ending. Paramedics from Anaheim Fire & Rescue arrived shortly thereafter, but she could not be revived.

“Disneyland security personnel did everything right,” said one emergency management consultant familiar with theme park operations. “They have protocols for every type of incident, and their response time is among the fastest in the industry.”

A Somber Moment at the “Happiest Place on Earth”

As the investigation continues, Disneyland has expressed condolences to the woman’s family. “Our hearts go out to the guest’s loved ones during this difficult time,” a park spokesperson said.

Guests who were present Monday evening described the park as unusually quiet following the incident, with some reporting that the area around the Haunted Mansion was temporarily cleared while first responders worked.

The death marks another rare but tragic moment in Disneyland’s long history. Though officials have emphasized that the attraction itself was operating normally, the loss has cast a somber shadow over the park known for joy and nostalgia.

The Orange County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office is expected to release further details once an autopsy and toxicology tests are completed.