Woman dies after riding famous Indiana wooden roller coaster

Santa Claus, Indiana - A trip to an amusement park ended tragically for a woman who died after riding a roller coaster.

A woman was unconscious after coming off The Voyage rollercoaster, but her cause of death has not been determined.
A woman was unconscious after coming off The Voyage rollercoaster, but her cause of death has not been determined.  © Screenshot/Facebook/Holiday World & Splashin' Safari

Dawn R. Jankovic (47) was with her family at Holiday World & Splashin' Safari Park in Santa Claus, Indiana.

The amusement park announced on Facebook that Jankovic came back unconscious after riding The Voyage roller coaster.

First responders were on the scene three minutes later to administer first aid. The woman was then taken to a hospital, where she eventually died.

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Afterwards, an examination of the roller coaster revealed that it was functioning properly. Out of respect for the family, the ride, which celebrated its 15th anniversary in May, remained closed for the rest of the day.

According to its website, Time magazine named it the top wooden roller coaster in the country with a total ride time of two minutes and 45 seconds.

"Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari officials ask for your thoughts and prayers for the Guest and her family, as well as for Team Members who were onsite," the statement said.

The The New York Post reports that Dubois County Coroner Katie Schuck has the results of an autopsy, but is keeping them confidential them until family can be notified.

There is no over-arching federal agency that regulates roller-coaster and amusement park ride safety in America. There are a handful of state agencies, with mixed coverage, but very limited accountability beyond amusement parks keeping things in running order to avoid lawsuits.

Cover photo: Screenshot/Facebook/Holiday World & Splashin' Safari

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