A devastating incident at Six Flags Mexico has led to scrutiny of the theme park’s emergency response procedures after a 17-year-old boy died following a ride on Superman: Ultimate Escape (Superman El Último Escape). The teenager’s family has voiced strong criticism over what they describe as a delayed and inadequate response during the crisis.
Teenager Collapses After Roller Coaster Ride
David Ordoñez Castillo, 17, reportedly began to feel unwell shortly after stepping off the Superman: Ultimate Escape roller coaster at the Mexico City park. According to his family, David fainted and experienced seizures before losing consciousness.
A video shared by El Informante Mexico shows the chaos that followed. In the footage, Six Flags staff can be seen forming a human chain around David as he lay on the ground, a decision that has sparked outrage from his loved ones. (The content shown in this video may be disturbing to some viewers.)
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“The Six Flags staff started forming a chain and didn’t let anyone approach him,” said Rodrigo, David’s brother. “His friends tried to help, he was lying on his back and he was still moving, he was moving his arms, like he was choking, trying to breathe, but no one could touch him.”
Family Alleges Six Flags Mexico Delayed Emergency Response
David’s mother, Angélica, recounted the desperate moments after her son fell ill, saying he was transported to Hospital Ángeles del Pedregal but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
“My son got off the ride, the Superman, started convulsing and that was it, he was gone,” she said. “…We were diverted to Hospital Ángeles del Pedregal…I got there and they told me my son had already arrived without life.”
The family claims emergency responders took “15 to 20 minutes” to arrive at the scene. Rodrigo raised further concerns about inconsistencies in the autopsy report, which listed the cause of death as a “cerebral and pulmonary edema.”
“For example, it states he died at the hospital, when they told us he had already arrived without life,” Rodrigo said.
Six Flags Responds
Six Flags Mexico defended its staff for following all existing protocols. They stated that emergency services arrived within four minutes and that David was stabilized before leaving the park in an ambulance. The park claimed he was transported to the hospital within 17 minutes of the incident.
Disney Fanatic sends sympathies to Oroñez Castillo’s loved ones.
