In a tragic turn of events, long-time Disneyland employee Bonnye Mavis Lear passed away just two days after a fall from a golf cart in the backstage area of the California theme park. The 60-year-old, who had been with Disneyland Resort for 24 years, succumbed to her injuries on Friday, according to the Orange County coroner.
Lear’s accident occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, she could not be saved. She was well-known for her role in supporting membership services at Club 33, a high-end private dining club at Disneyland.
Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock expressed deep sorrow over Lear’s death in a statement to City News Service. “We are heartbroken by the loss of Bonnye, and offer our sincere condolences to everyone who cared for her,” Potrock said. “We are focused on supporting her family and our cast members through this tragic event and making sure they have the resources they need.”
This incident comes just a couple of months after another tragic event linked to Disney properties. The family of a Long Island doctor is suing Disney World following the death of his wife due to an alleged food allergy incident at a resort restaurant.
Dr. Kanokporn Tangsuan, known as Amy, died after consuming food at Raglan Road Irish Pub in Disney World. Despite assurances from restaurant staff that her meal would be free of dairy and nuts, Tangsuan, who suffered from severe food allergies, went into anaphylactic shock. Although she self-administered an EpiPen, she died from anaphylaxis due to elevated levels of dairy and nut in her system, as detailed in the lawsuit.
Dr. Adam Berman of Long Island Jewish Medical Center/Northwell Health emphasized the temporary nature of EpiPen relief. “An EpiPen buys you time, it keeps you alive so that you can get to an emergency department for more definitive treatment,” he explained. Unfortunately, Tangsuan’s reaction was too severe, and she died in a Florida hospital.
Her husband, Jeffrey Piccolo, is seeking damages in excess of $50,000 under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, as well as compensation for mental pain and suffering, loss of income, and funeral expenses. Piccolo’s attorney stated, “Jeffrey is devastated over the premature death of his beloved wife. Amy had a long life in front of her, and she and Jeff had plans to start a family. This never should have happened.”
Despite multiple attempts to contact them, Disney World has not provided a comment on the lawsuit.
These incidents underscore the significant risks and challenges faced by theme park employees and visitors alike. Lear’s tragic accident highlights the dangers present even in behind-the-scenes operations, while Tangsuan’s death brings attention to the critical importance of stringent food safety protocols, especially for those with severe allergies. As these cases proceed, they serve as stark reminders of the need for robust safety measures and accountability in ensuring the well-being of all associated with these beloved destinations.
