A mother-of-one tragically died after she tore an artery while on a rollercoaster ride in a theme park in Indiana.
47-year-old Dawn Jankovic from Ohio was found unresponsive next to her son on ‘The Voyage’ rollercoaster ride in Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari theme park.
She was rushed to a hospital where she later died.
According to The Indianapolis Star, the Dubois County, Indiana coroner listed three causes of death: force from the rollercoaster, the tearing of an artery, and severe internal blood loss.
Jankovic’s 17-year-old son Gunnar Merker and his father Gary Merker told Fox 8 that the mother and son loved going to theme parks and roller coasters.
“They go all over the place to different amusement parks, that was their thing and yeah, they’d been on it before,” Gary expressed.
“I just don’t know what happened this time.”
Gunnar said that his mother was “fine, the whole entire day.”
According to reports, Jankovic suffered severe internal blood loss after tearing an artery, which is outside the back of her rib cage.
The Dubois County Coroner Katie Schuck told The Indianapolis Star that the force of the rollercoaster caused the tear.
“It was just a reaction her body had from riding the ride,” Schuck explained. “It had nothing to do with a malfunction or anything, as far as safety and that type of thing.”
Jankovic’s death was ruled an accident.
In a statement to Daily Mail, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari President and CEO Matt Eckert said that the theme park’s hearts “continue to go out to Dawn’s family, friends and all those impacted by her loss.
“The safety and well-being of our guests and team members is our number one concern every day. The park’s rides and attractions have delivered millions of safe and thrilling experiences throughout the years.
“Our vigilance in taking care of our guests as well as our team members can be counted on in everything we do.”
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