News

Employee Falls from Busch Gardens Ride

Maikon Bonani, a 20-year-old football player for the University of South Florida, fell 35 feet while working at Busch Gardens.  He was operating the Skyride attraction when the accident occurred.

Bonani had just sent out a gondola filled with passengers when he decided to check if the door was unlocked.  The gondola took off with Bonani still holding onto the door.  When he was about 35 feet off the ground, he let go and landed in a landscaped area, according to a statement from the park.

USF team officials identified their starter kicker as the employee who was injured, even though Busch Gardens did not immediately release his name or the extent of his injuries.

According to spokeswoman Jill Revelle, “he was trying to make sure they (passengers) were safe.”  She also said that no one else was injured in the park accident.

Revelle reported that Bonani was responsive after the accident, but was still taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital as a precaution.  Bonani was listed in fair condition at the hospital.

USF football coach, Jim Leavitt, told the St. Petersburg Times that he talked to Bonani by telephone and later visited him.  He said that Bonani may have injured his vertebrae.  Bonani also said that Bonani was doing fine, but was in pain.

Read More About Employee Falls from Busch Gardens Ride...

back to top