Report says park deficiencies not a factor in Rye Playland death

So did he jump out of the boat, walk through the water to a catwalk, climb to the ceiling of the tunnel and fell off and hit his head?

From the article:

"The family is now certain that litigation is required to retain the truth in this horrible tragedy"

I'm very sorry that they lost their son and I would be devastated as well if I were in their shoes. While the park has some things to correct itself on I honestly think the family is looking for some sort of compensation on their loss that stated in the report the park wasn't responsible for.

Again, I'm pulling my hair out because this should be a done deal since the investigation is complete. Now the family will be seeking a lawsuit because the final report didn't come back saying what they wanted to hear: it was the park's fault.

~Rob Willi

It is sad to lose a child, but who would allow their 7 year old child to go on ANY ride where they could not be seen and monitored by a supervisory adult? Small children are not know to stay in place for periods of time without some kind of supervision.

The "truth" is that this woman exercised very poor judgment as a parent when she let this 7-year old go on a dark ride by himself. Even though (and it probably will be argued) the boy met the minimum height requirement, the parent still has the final word. I know plenty of parents who don't put their kids on coasters or other rides-- even with the parent riding-- just because they measure up on the yardstick.

So what would be adequate supervision on a ride like this anyway? Floodlights? An employee in every boat for the parents who'd rather catch a smoke while Junior rides? Security cameras throughout the ride? Why not security cameras all over the park-- every park?

Too bad I'm not around for that press conference, I'd ask her some good questions.

Shouldn't a 7 year old understand when a parent says "stay in the boat"?

This is a dark ride, correct? I can't believe he get out of the boat. When I was riding dark rides at age 7, you couldn't have drug me out of the boat/car.