News: Man dies after riding Expedition Everest

Posted at 12:59 PM EST (1759 GMT)

Dec. 19th, 2007 -- Walt Disney World reported a man died Tuesday after riding Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom.

Disney said Jeffery Reeb, 44, appeared to be unconscious and unresponsive when the train he was riding arrived back at the station.

Park personnel immediately rendered CPR to Reeb, and contacted Reedy Creek Emergency Services and the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

Reeb was transported by Reedy Creek Emergency Services to Celebration Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Investigators said Reeb appeared to be conscious in a photograph taken on the coaster approximately 50 seconds before the conclusion of the ride.

The attraction was inspected Tuesday morning and was operating normally. Disney has since closed the ride to reconfirm proper operation.

The Sheriff’s Office plans to conduct a routine investigation to determine the cause of death, although some reports have already been released speculating that Mr. Reeb suffered a heart attack.

For more information visit Central Florida News 13, Orlando Sentinel and Detroit Free Press.