On the evening of October 6, 2025, a sense of shock rippled through Disneyland in Anaheim, California, as news spread that a woman in her 60s had died shortly after riding the iconic Haunted Mansion attraction. According to statements from the Anaheim Police Department reported by Global News, the guest was found unresponsive after completing the ride, prompting immediate action from Disneyland security and Anaheim Fire & Rescue personnel, who rushed to the scene and administered CPR.
Despite their efforts, the woman was transported to a local hospital where she was later pronounced dead. As authorities continue their investigation, the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Office has taken responsibility for determining the official cause of death, though, as of this week, it remains unconfirmed. "Anaheim Fire & Rescue responded to the Disneyland Resort for an unresponsive woman in her 60s who had just finished riding the Haunted Mansion attraction," police confirmed in a statement quoted by Global News. "Disneyland security personnel provided CPR until paramedics arrived."
Multiple outlets, including CNN and NBC Los Angeles, noted that preliminary assessments by Anaheim Fire and Rescue suggest the woman appeared to have died from a medical episode unrelated to the ride itself. "This appears to be an unfortunate medical episode, and our thoughts go out [to] the family," a spokesperson for the city of Anaheim told NBC Los Angeles. The Haunted Mansion attraction was reopened to the public soon after the incident, with police and park officials stating there was no indication of any operating issue with the ride. Sgt. Matt Sutter with the Anaheim Police Department told KTLA 5, "There is no indication of any operating issue with the attraction, which reopened soon after."
Witnesses and emergency responders described a swift and coordinated effort to assist the woman. TMZ released video footage showing emergency teams rushing through the crowd, transporting the guest on a gurney to a waiting ambulance. Dispatch audio obtained by the outlet revealed that responders gained entry through the back of the ride to access the guest quickly. While an initial dispatcher report suggested the woman might have been in her 70s, subsequent official statements clarified that she was in her 60s. The same dispatch call noted the woman may have suffered a possible heart attack, though, as reiterated by multiple sources, the precise cause of death has not yet been established by the coroner's office.
The Haunted Mansion, a staple of Disneyland since its opening in 1969, is celebrated for its slow-moving "doom buggies" and whimsical, spooky encounters with the ride's 999 "happy haunts." From August through January, the attraction receives a popular holiday-themed transformation inspired by Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas, featuring characters like Jack Skellington, Sally, and Oogie Boogie. According to Disneyland’s website, the ride is described as slow-moving, with "mildly frightening scenes" but is generally considered safe for children. For the 2025 season, the Haunted Mansion was "decked out for the Hallow-Days"—a blend of Halloween and holiday festivities that draws large crowds each year.
Deaths at major theme parks are rare, and the incident at Disneyland has prompted both sorrow and reflection among employees and visitors alike. "This appears to be an unfortunate medical episode, and our thoughts go out the family," the Anaheim spokesperson reiterated, as reported by NBC Los Angeles and HuffPost. There were no signs of foul play, and the ride was cleared to reopen shortly after emergency crews had concluded their response.
The tragedy in Anaheim occurred less than a month after another fatal incident at a major theme park on the opposite side of the country. On September 17, 2025, Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, a 32-year-old guest at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe, died after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster in the park’s Celestial Park area. According to KTLA and Orlando News6, Zavala—who used a wheelchair—suffered "multiple blunt impact injuries" and was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Orange-Osceola Chief Medical Examiner Joshua Stephany ruled Zavala’s death an accident.
Following the Orlando tragedy, Universal Orlando updated the Stardust Racers’ safety and accessibility guidelines, now requiring that guests using wheelchairs or other mobility devices must be able to walk independently to ride. Despite these changes, the decision to reopen the ride relatively quickly drew criticism from Zavala’s family. An attorney representing the family called the move "disrespectful" and "a slap in the face," as reported by HuffPost. In contrast, the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland was reopened to guests within hours, with officials emphasizing that no operating issue had been detected.
Theme park safety experts note that while millions of guests visit attractions like Disneyland and Universal Orlando each year, incidents resulting in death are exceedingly rare. When they do occur, they are often attributed to pre-existing medical conditions or accidents rather than mechanical failure. According to CNN and other sources, Anaheim Fire and Rescue’s initial assessment suggests the woman’s death was likely due to a medical episode unrelated to the ride’s operation. Still, the official cause of death will be determined by the ongoing coroner’s investigation.
The Haunted Mansion itself has a storied history at Disneyland. Since opening its doors in 1969 in the park’s New Orleans Square area, it has become one of the most beloved and enduring attractions, enchanting generations with its playful take on the supernatural. The seasonal overlay inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas has only added to its popularity, drawing even larger crowds during the fall and winter months.
Despite the somber news, Disneyland has continued to operate as usual, with guests returning to the Haunted Mansion and other attractions. Park officials have expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and assured the public of their commitment to safety and transparency. The Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Office’s forthcoming report is expected to provide further clarity on the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.
As investigations proceed, both the Disneyland and Universal Orlando incidents serve as reminders of the importance of emergency preparedness and clear safety protocols in theme parks. While the magic of these destinations is undiminished for most, the rare tragedies that do occur underscore the need for vigilance and compassion when the unexpected happens.
For now, the Haunted Mansion continues to welcome visitors, its "happy haunts" once again entertaining guests—though the memory of this week’s events lingers, a somber testament to the unpredictability of life, even in the happiest place on earth.
