Walt Disney World, located in Orlando, Florida, reported three guest deaths over a span of 10 days in October 2025, sparking discussions about safety and mental health at the well-known destination.
The first incident happened on October 14, when 31-year-old Summer Equitz, a Disney enthusiast, passed away 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 as the cause.
On October 21, a week later, a man in his 60s experienced a medical crisis at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. He was taken to a hospital where he was later declared dead. Officials attributed his death to a pre-existing medical issue.
The most recent case occurred on October 23, involving 28-year-old Matthew Cohn, who died at Bay Lake Tower, a Disney Vacation Club property linked to the Contemporary Resort. His death was also ruled a suicide, with the medical examiner noting multiple traumatic injuries as the cause. Police examined all three events but found no evidence of foul play in any of the cases.
The Contemporary Resort, a 14-story A-frame structure with a monorail track passing through, was the site of two of the deaths. Reports suggest hotel staff were instructed to prevent guests from observing law enforcement activities related to the incidents.
These incidents bring the total number of deaths at Walt Disney World since its opening in 1971 to 68, spanning over five decades at one of the world’s most frequented theme parks.
Despite the clustering of deaths, experts emphasize that fatalities at theme parks are uncommon. Industry analysts note that such occurrences are generally linked to medical conditions or personal issues rather than ride-related mishaps. The Fort Wilderness death, caused by a medical episode, fits this pattern.
The Contemporary Resort’s unique design and accessible upper floors have previously been associated with suicides involving individuals facing severe mental health challenges. Its proximity to Magic Kingdom Park and monorail access make it a favored choice for visitors.
Investigations into the circumstances of each death are ongoing, although officials have confirmed the causes and manners of death for all three. The Orange County medical examiner’s office conducted autopsies and provided official determinations. Local law enforcement responded to the incidents and collaborated with Disney security.
Walt Disney World has not released a public statement regarding the deaths. The resorts where the incidents occurred are still operational. The company has not announced any revisions to safety protocols or guest services in light of the events.
The timing of these deaths, occurring within a 10-day window, represents an unusual concentration of fatalities at the resort. While Walt Disney World draws millions of visitors annually, multiple deaths in a short timeframe are statistically rare.
These incidents coincided with the death of a woman in her 60s at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, after riding the Haunted Mansion. Her death was attributed to a health issue experienced during or after the ride. Disneyland also faced a series of fatal falls from parking garages in 2023.
Authorities confirmed that the two suicides at the Contemporary Resort were unrelated, and the medical episode at Fort Wilderness was independent of the other cases.
Bay Lake Tower, where Cohn died, is part of the Disney Vacation Club timeshare program, linked to the Contemporary Resort by a skywalk, providing views of Magic Kingdom and access via the monorail.
Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, where the medical incident happened, spans 750 acres and offers camping sites, cabins, and various recreational activities. Located on Bay Lake, it is separate from the main theme parks but accessible by boat and bus.
Walt Disney World maintains normal operations across all its properties. The Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower remain open to guests, with no changes to check-in procedures or access to upper floors. Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground continues to welcome guests.
