While Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom may be sources of joy for kids and adults, the reality is that tragic events have happened inside the parks. Some occurrences were due to misadventure, safety issues, or the Walt Disney Company’s alleged negligence.

We’re not going to list every fatal event, and Please remember that these fatal injuries affected real people and their families. Keep that in mind when commenting.

Disneyland:

Matterhorn Bobsleds (1964 & 1984): In ’64, a 15-year-old boy lost his life when he stood up on the Matterhorn Bobsleds ride and fell out. 20 years later, in ’84, a 48-year-old woman was ejected from the bobsled. [Source: SFGATE].

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (2003): The roller coaster’s ride vehicle suffered a derailment, which caused multiple injuries and fatally injuring a 22-year-old man. [Source: CBS News]

Sailing Ship Columbia (1998): During a “Fantasmic!” rehearsal, a mooring line snapped on the Sailing Ship Columbia. This caused a cleat to become a projectile, hitting multiple guests. One of those injured, a 33-year-old man, passed away days later. [Source: Los Angeles Times].

Tom Sawyer’s Island (1973): Two brothers hid on the island to avoid detection during the park’s closing time. At night, the pair tried to cross the Rivers of America. While swimming, the 18-year-old brother drowned, leaving his 10-year-old brother to struggle in the water until staff found him. [Source: Medium]

America Sings (1974): On July 8, 1974, an 18-year-old Disneyland cast member named Deborah Gail Stone was caught between the stationary wall of the theatre and the rotating platform of the America Sings stage. [Source: LA Times and Vintage Disneyland Tickets Blog]

Walt Disney World:

Monorail Collision (2009): Walt Disney World’s popular transit system is no stranger to breakdowns and accidents. In 2009, a 21-year-old monorail operator was killed when two park transit vehicles collided at Walt Disney World. [Source: CNN]

Alligator Attack (2016): Florida’s giant native reptiles are always a threat, even on Disney property. Tragically, a 2-year-old boy was grabbed by an alligator and drowned in a lagoon at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. [Source: CNN]

Behind the Scenes (2004): A cast member in a Pluto costume was accidentally hit by a parade float in a backstage area of the Magic Kingdom, resulting in the 38-year-old’s death. [Source: The Ledger]

Fantasyland Skyway (1999): A 65-year-old WDW employee was accidentally hit by one of the ride’s cars when another person turned on the ride. He attempted to hold on to the vehicle until above a softer area to fall. He died at Orlando Regional Medical Center shortly after. [Source: Chicago Tribune]