Kaitlyn Lasitter
13-year old Kaitlyn Lasitter's feet were severed above the ankle on June 21, 2007 while riding the Superman Tower of Power roller coaster at Six Flag's Kentucky Kingdom park. The accident was attributed to cables that snapped during the ride.
Fast Facts
- July 3, 2007: Announced that doctors were able to re-attach right foot; injuries to the left extremity were too severe for re-attachment
- July 12, 2007: Suit filed by parents against amusement park
- July 15, 2007: Released from hospital
- April 13, 2008: Revealed ride cables were never inspected
- Trust fund has been established in Kaitlyn Lasitter's name at Class Act Federal Credit Union, 3620 Fern Valley Road, Louisville, KY 40219
Accident Aftermath
On July 3, doctors re-attached Lasitter's right foot, but injuries to her left were too severe for re-attachment. As a result of the incident, Lasitter's family sued the amusement park for negligence, though according to news reports, the park denies any liability in the accident. Almost a year after the accident, Lasitter reported that she still suffers frequent pain from her injuries and that the experience has taken a severe psychological toll. "I won't be the person I was before. Because now, I'm scared of stuff," she told reporters on May 15, 2008.
Accident Investigation
An investigation by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture revealed testimony on April 13, 2008 in which the park's maintenance supervisor, John Schmidt, stated the ten cables used on the Superman ride were never inspected hands-on, nor were they ever lubricated. The Department is currently awaiting cable tests to determine exactly how it snapped.
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