SANDUSKY, Ohio -- A guest was fatally struck by a roller coaster at Cedar Point amusement park in Ohio on Thursday after entering a restricted, fenced area near the ride.
Cedar Point released a statement about the accident:
"At approximately 5 p.m., a guest entered a restricted, fenced area of the Raptor roller coaster and was struck by the ride. Park safety officials responded immediately to the situation. Unfortunately the guest has passed away. Local authorities are on the scene conducting an investigation. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this time."
As one of the top attractions in north-central Ohio, near the shores of Lake Erie, Cedar Point has attracted legions of visitors since opening 146 years ago -- a fact that makes it North America's second oldest continually-operated amusement park, according to its website.
Roller coasters are a big part of the draw, with Cedar Point boasting more than 10 miles total of track and the claim as being the "Roller Coaster Capital of the World." Raptor is one of Cedar Park's 17 coasters, twisting people up, down and all around at speeds reaching 57 mph.
