News: Ride operator killed at New York park

Posted at 6:39 PM EDT (2239 GMT)

Aug. 31st, 2005 -- A ride operator was killed yesterday night when he was struck by a roller coaster train at the Adventureland amusement park on Long Island. Police say the car had been unloaded and was rolling down the track to pick up new riders when it hit 18-year-old Stephen Gary.

The car of the Ladybug Coaster was traveling 5 mph when it collided with Gary, pinning him underneath. It is unknown why Gary, who had been operating the ride for eight months, was on the track. The park says that there had been no problems with the coaster. Currently the death is being labeled an accident and is under investigation.

It was the third death at a New York state amusement park this month. The roller coaster is closed until it can be inspected; Adventureland remains open.

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