A roller coaster ride at SeaWorld Orlando last month ended in a freak accident that left at least one guest injured and resulted in the death of an animal. The incident took place on Pipeline: The Surf Coaster, a unique standing coaster that debuted at the Central Florida theme park in 2023.
Pipeline: The Surf Coaster is billed as the “first-of-its-kind surf coaster,” launching guests at 60 mph through a twisting track while they remain in a standing position. Unfortunately, this summer, the attraction also became the site of an unexpected and tragic incident.
Last month, Instagram user Kelly Angelo (@mrskellyangelo) shared a video and photos documenting what happened to her son on his first ride. According to her post, a duck flew into him mid-ride, leaving marks on his abdomen that developed into bruises.
First time riding we rode Pipeline at @seaworldorlando and a duck flew into my son. My son was bruised and very proud of his first duck or duck season…… #seaworldorlando #seaworld #pipeline #rollercoaster #orlando #duckseason #launch
Angelo says that after hitting her son, the duck struck her daughter, who was also riding. The bird then fell into a pond beneath the coaster tracks and did not survive. When another social media user asked if the duck had died, the SeaWorld Orlando guest replied:
“Unfortunately yes. It hit my son in the side and then my daughter behind him and landed on the floor of the coaster. When we turned it fell off.”
Fortunately, both children appear to have escaped without long-term injuries. The bruising on Angelo’s son was the only reported physical harm from the incident.
SeaWorld Orlando has not issued a public statement on the accident, and Pipeline: The Surf Coaster continues to operate as usual.
What’s the wildest thing that’s happened while you were visiting a theme park? Share your story with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
