Statement from Holiday World

Never have I saw anythign go from such a good time, to one of the lowest points possible in my life. I saw paula running while Jen and I were in line for the meal and thought someone had slipped and fell or something. Never in my wildest imagination did I dream of what occured.

I was ready to ride when Pat came through the crowd past us and they told us to get back as Pat had something to say.

I immediately tried to find everyone I knew. When all were accounted for I breathed such a sigh of relief. Everyone around us immediatly mentioned they needed to call home. I was amazed the phone circuits handled that many cell phones at once.

To everyone that came over to my campsite last night, thanks.

I feel so horrible for Pat.

------------------
God bless Intamin, Company that I love. Stand beside her, and ride her, from the opening to the closing of the day.

What part of this do you not understand? This happened during regular ride hours. Please quit speculating about "one-click rides!" They did not occur at the park this weekend. Please, let us reflect on the tradgedy that has occurred and not on other less important things. A life was taken.

May the Lord embrace you in his loving arms and keep you safe from harm.

------------------
"Sit down, enjoy much airtime and put your feet IN the fire!"

"Sean is my idol. I spend countless evenings with you!"
*** This post was edited by Scorcherboy 6/1/2003 10:23:12 PM ***

Thanks CPLady. I know how much that kid loves to ride and am glad she is OK. I hope both of you were nowhere near the incident.

MrScott

I would also like to extend my sympathy to the whole Holiday World family. I have lived in Southern Indiana from birth, and Holiday World really began my love for amusement parks and roller coasters. The old Firecracker was my first roller coaster. I have been there at least one a year the entire twenty years that I have been alive.

Holiday World is indeed a "family". I have never been to a friendlier public place. When I was in junior high, I had the wonderful experience of busting my head open on the Virginia Reel. (For those of you who don't know, that's their version of the Tilt-A-Whirl.) It was completely my fault, but the park attendents were extremely helpful, and the park went out of their way to make sure that everything was taken care of for me.

Kudos to Holiday World for being a wonderful amusement park and I just hope that this will be the only dark day that they must endure.

What is really sad and frustrating is that this has happened in the very best operated park in the universe. Whether or not this was the park's fault (At this point we don't know who or what to blame until the investigation is complete) I hope that HW will not suffer too much from this and hopefully can get back on their feet soon. To me it is still the greatest park in the world and here's hoping for a perfect record from this day one. My concern is not only for the family but for the Koch Family as well. Like the above post I hope this is the ONLY dark day they have to endure. I have absolutly nothing bad to say about the park itself or the management.

I can see already that I've lost respect for some and gained respect for MANY.

Speculation solves nothing and before you judge anyone or anything about the event, Wouldn't it be best to let those investigating find out the facts?

My heart goes out to everyone involved, Stuff can happen anywhere at any time and most people realize this. Please show some restraint and respect.

Chuck, having a hard time copeing and adding insult to injury only makes it worse.

------------------
Charles Nungester.
It's official Lesourdsville Lake is closed for 2003

The victim's identity has now been released. Prayers go out to New York's Tamar Fellner and her family.

Sad..........very sad

Much of what I had wished to say has already been said, but to show my sympathy and support for those involved, I'm going to go ahead and say it anyway.

First of all, my prayers go out to Tamar Fellner and her family, as well as the Koch family and the Holiday World employees. I honestly can't imagine the kind of pain they are going through at this trying time.

Second of all, I commend Pat Koch, Will Koch, Paula Werne, and everyone else involved for handling this terrible tragedy in such a graceful and courageous manor. I can't imagine what it must have been like for Mrs. Koch to have to make that announcement Saturday evening, but she did what she had to do, and did it with something you don't tend to get from the media, love (which, as Greg told me earlier, seems to be what the place is all about).

Here's hoping that everyone manages to pull through these tough times.

------------------
Joe Cernelli
Webmaster, Kennywood Boulevard
Shedding off one more layer of skin, keeping one step ahead of the persecutor within.

Paula, on behalf of Holiday World, has done so much for us here, and in the enthusiast community in general.

I don't think I'd be overstepping my bounds by saying that now it's our turn. If there's *anything* that you need from us, Paula, don't hesitate to ask. We all want to emerge from this tragedy stronger, and closer, and resolved to make sure it doesn't happen again. We all want to make sure that Holiday World, seemingly trapped in a time capsule and isolated from the rest of the world, goes on to create memories and happiness for their guests for years to come.

I've had some time to consider what's happened and talk to some non-enthusiast friends about the accident. Holiday World's reputation extends well beyond our circles here, I've learned, and this loss is felt deeply by others, as well. They've all expressed their regret and sincerest apologies, and pledge their support in this horrible time. I just wanted to relay their message here, so that if there was any doubt in anyone's mind, this weekend affected a lot more than just enthusiasts, just Holiday World, or just The Raven.

------------------
--Maddie--

This topic is closed. You may not reply.
This topic was closed before you could reply.
Foiled again.
*** This post was edited by Chernabog 6/2/2003 1:39:05 AM ***

Showing millions a enjoyable time comes from the heart.

Thousands of best wishes and support for thier past hard ships comes from the heart.

Believe me when I say both the park and enthusaist are devestated.

Chuck, who knows that everyone entering HW enthusiast or not was treated like family and cannot believe the strength demonstrated by them saturday in the face of disaster.

------------------
Charles Nungester.
It's official Lesourdsville Lake is closed for 2003

I am so sad and sorry to hear this news. And yet, despite the tragedy, the staff at Holiday World once again rise above all others and show just why they are a class act and so well loved by everyone. They truely are the greatest people and run the best park in the world.. If only more parks could follow their example everyday!

I think Chernabog said it best. Paula if there is anything we can possibly do for anyone there, please let us know. If I could somehow give you a big hug through email I would!

(a very sad) Coasterbuf

My heart goes out not only to the family of the deceased, but to the Holiday World family, and the coaster enthusiast family in general.

There is more heartbreaking than a senseless death.

------------------
Matt Lynch

What a surreal and tragic ending to an otherwise wonderful event.

Stark Raven Mad 2003 marked my first enthusiast event, as well as my first visit to Holiday World, and both my fiancée Liz and I immediately felt the sense of community among the hundreds of enthusiasts, as well as Pat and Will Koch, Paula Werne, and the rest of the Holiday World staff. It is truly a rare experience, and to say that it would be difficult to find a friendlier, more caring group of individuals than Pat and the rest of the HW family would be a tremendous understatement.

We were absolutely devastated to hear Pat's announcement Saturday evening. It's been a rough weekend for everyone to whom this hit so close to home. Our hearts go out to the victim's family and fiancé, as well as the Kochs and the Holiday World family. We are deeply saddened by this, but with God's grace we will all get through it.

And Paula, I will definitely back up Maddie's above statement. I feel it's the least we can do for everything that you and the Holiday World family do for so many on a daily basis.

God bless.

-Mike
*** This post was edited by Vater 6/2/2003 3:17:06 AM ***

You are here for us, and we are here for you. If we were ever a family of people, let this be the time.

Another news story... Longest I've seen so far... Hopefully it will answer some questions to those that keep asking, weather you were there or not...

http://www.myinky.com/ecp/news/article/0,1626,ECP_734_2005151,00.html

What can I say that hasn't been already said.

To All the Families involved my thoughts and prayers are with you. I keep running the last 15 mins in the park over and over in my head. To go from giggles, and joy to utter and complete quite and reflection in a matter of seconds is an experience that none of us wish to experience again.

To Pat, Will, Paula, and the employees of Holiday World thanks for the years of smiles and joy, only the Lord knows why this tragedy happend. To the family that lost a loved one nothing myself or anyone can say can take away your loss, but know that we are praying for you in your time of need.

------------------
Dave

Beware of Kiddie Coasters

Paula, my heart and prayers are with the awesome staff of Holiday World and especially to the lady's family and fiance.

I was very saddened to hear the news Saturday night while awaiting our ERT. I also thought that Ms. Koch's announcement would be nothing more than letting us know that Raven or Legend may be having problems.

It's amazing how the tone of crowd can change from a rowdy, friendly group of enthusiasts to a numb silence. I was very shocked and could barely move. It was too surreal.

After Ms. Koch gave us the news we all went back to our motels. I was staying at the Motel 6 and there were people everywhere just in disbelief. I immediately called my folks to let them know what happened, and that I was OK.

I hope the best for Holiday World and the young lady's family. This is horrible.

My friends and I had an awesome time otherwise, and I was happy to FINALLY meet some of you! Unfortunatley the Friday night "Tripowered" party at Lake Rudolph eluded us. Oh well, next time! OK, so we could not find the campsite. lol. Blame it on Nasai. ;-)

Legend and Raven were KICKING butt, especially Friday night. And the photo walkback was VERY cool.

Zinga is absolutely INSANE! Another winner for Splashin Safari. :-)

Paula, you and your staff were here for me and my friend this past weekend for an unrelated issue, and we are here for you too.

Love and prayers,

-Tina

------------------
Feel The DragsterGasm....
www.intenserides.com

*** This post was edited by coasterqueenTRN 6/2/2003 12:14:31 PM ***

My thoughts and prayers are with Holiday World and Tamar's family. It's a shame that this happened, especially at one of the most special parks that I've ever had the pleasure to visit. It doesn't look like I'll make it to HW this year, but now I want to find a way to make it and show my support for their wonderful park.

------------------
Sue Barry
CoasterSue@aol.com

I have never had the good fortune to go to Holiday World but everything I have read tells me that it is a class operation. I extend my sympathies to the family of the deceased but I want to particularly give my support to all of the employees at HW who are going through a very difficult time right now.

Unfortunately, I too have had to deal with tragedy as an amusement park employee. This opens up some old scars but all of the prayers you all are saying today does help.

God be with you.

Nor have I had the good fortune, but was tentatively planning a trip in July to go there. I've heard so many great things about the park, seen the posts by Paula, and have been greatly looking forward to both the Legend and the Raven. I am deeply saddened by this, and my thoughts are with Tamar's family and her fiance. May they, Holiday World, its employees, and us enthusiasts recover from this soon.