What happened to the person that got hit with the Top Thrill Dragster?

She was rendered "permanently disabled," no longer able to reach potential earning capacity ? more than $1.2 million, according to the suit. Her medical costs soared to more than $2 million.



The person injured in the 2021 Top Thrill Dragster incident was Rachel Hawes, who was struck in the head by a metal bracket that detached from the train while she was waiting in line. She suffered severe, life-altering brain injuries and was hospitalized for a long period. In April 2024, a confidential settlement was reached between Rachel Hawes and Cedar Fair (the park's parent company), resolving the multi-million dollar lawsuit. The park was cleared of legal violations by the Ohio Department of Agriculture, but the ride was permanently closed and reimagined. In 2026, the original ride has been replaced by Top Thrill 2, which features a completely new LSM launch system and redesigned trains that eliminate the cable-launch mechanism involved in the accident. Rachel has continued her journey toward recovery with the support of her family, while the park has implemented much more rigorous safety barriers and inspections in the redesigned ride area.

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“Rachel suffered permanent and life-altering injuries as a result of being struck in the head by a dislodged flag plate while simply standing in line,” said Attorney James Murray, who represents Rachel Hawes, her husband and her father.

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Rachel Hawes is suing Cedar Point after suffering a traumatic brain injury from being struck by a metal plate that detached from a roller coaster.

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The Michigan woman who was struck in the head by a piece of metal that flew off what was once the world's fastest and tallest roller coaster in 2021 claims she will need medical assistance for the rest of her life as treatment costs will exceed $10 million, according to a lawsuit.

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In August 2023, the speculation was confirmed after Cedar Point announced plans to transform Top Thrill Dragster into a triple-launched roller coaster using linear synchronous motors. The modified coaster is scheduled to reopen in 2024 as Top Thrill 2.

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Rachel Hawes is suing Cedar Point after suffering a traumatic brain injury from being struck by a metal plate that detached from a roller coaster.

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Cedar Point closing Top Thrill Dragster ride after it caused a severe injury in 2021. AKRON, Ohio — It was once the tallest roller coaster in the world. And some 19 years and a troubled past later, Cedar Point is retiring the famed Top Thrill Dragster.

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A new video released by Cedar Point this week teases what's ahead for the amusement park's popular Top Thrill Dragster, three years after it was shut down after a park patron was severely injured by a piece of metal that fell from the ride.

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While the Top Thrill will be gone at the start of the 2023 season and its apparent replacement remains in limbo, there will be a new coaster at the park next summer. And it couldn't be more different size-wise and otherwise.

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Tyre's death garnered national attention and cast new scrutiny on amusement park rides and their safety measures. He suffered broken bones and internal injuries in the fall, according to his autopsy, and his death was ruled accidental. Tyre weighed 383 pounds, per the autopsy, above the ride limit of about 285 pounds.

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The young couple said I do this weekend not in front of the altar but on a roller coaster that tops 95 miles per hour. Their thrilling ceremony at Carowinds amusement park has a sweet story behind it, too. The North Carolina couple went there on their first date and rode the Fury 325 coaster about a dozen times.

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For church organist Amy Wolfe, the love of her life is quite literally a mass of twisty tracks and loops. Wolfe says she first fell for the amusement park attraction 1001 Nachts at the tender young age of 13, and vowed to one day wed the Pennsylvania-based fairground ride.

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Cedar Fair, has a market cap or net worth of $1.91 billion as of November 13, 2023. Its market cap has decreased by -13.17% in one year.

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Balance Sheet and Capital Allocation As of January 1, 2023, the company had total reported debt of $2,381 million , and cash or cash equivalents of $80 million .

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