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There's another aspect of excitement in the world of thrill rides. There's the excitement of the latest announcements of upcoming rides from an industry as secretive as the military at times, and the excitement of all the latest happenings at parks around the world. Sometimes the news is good, sometimes the news is bad, but our aim is to bring you the fairest, timeliest, most accurate details on everything that concerns you. COASTER-net's team of journalists is hard at work around the clock to bring you the in-depth scoop!

Expedition Everest turns fatal at Disney World
Man found unconscious as ride returns to station

Disney's Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA 12/18/07 - By: Devin Olson -

Florida native Jeffery Reeb seemed just like any other rider on Disney World's newest coaster, but his ride ended fatally Tuesday as Animal Kingdom's signature attraction Expedition Everest came to a stop.

The 44-year-old man passed out in the final minute of his ride and attempts to revive him via CPR failed. He was pronounced dead at Celebration Hospital in nearby Celebration, Florida.

Expedition Everest's ride photo system captured a picture of Reed conscious approximately 50 seconds before the end of the ride. He was discovered as the ride came to a halt in its unloading station.

Recent Disney deaths (most from pre-existing medical problems):
- June 25, 2007: Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, Disneyland Resort Paris
- August 1, 2006: Space Mountain, Magic Kingdom (FL)
- June 29, 2006: Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, MGM Studios (FL)
- April 12, 2006: Mission: Space, EPCOT (FL)
- June 13, 2005: Mission: Space, EPCOT (FL)
- April 2005: Dinosaur, Disney's Animal Kingdom (FL)
- February 2005: Pirates of the Caribbean, Magic Kingdom (FL)
- September 23, 2003: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Disneyland (CA)
The cause of death is unknown while an investigation takes place. Authorities will confirm that the death was unrelated to the coaster itself through an official investigation before the ride is cleared to reopen.

Disney spokesperson Andrea Finger issued a written statement on the death.

"We offer the family our deepest sympathies and will provide assistance to them during this difficult time," it read.

This is the first death on Expedition Everest since the ride debuted April 7, 2006. However, the Disney theme parks have collectively been plauged with a string of deaths due to pre-existing medical conditions the past several years. The latest of these confirmed took place at Disneyland Resort Paris on June 25 when a girl was found unconscious after returning from a ride on that park's Rock 'n' Roller Coaster attraction.

Expedition Everest was one of the largest roller coaster investments in Disney's history, at a monumental $100 million. The coaster's 4,424 feet of steel track winds around and through a 200-foot recreation of Mount Everest, sending riders both forwards and backwards during a 2-minute, 50-second ride.

The ride reaches a top speed of 50 m.p.h. with a maximum drop length of 80 feet.

Kennywood Entertainment parks purchased
Spanish theme park operator buys out parks

Kennywood, West Mifflin, PA, USA 12/12/07 - By: Steven Wright -

Spanish firm Parques Reunidos has bought out the major West Mifflin park, Kennywood. The firm's purchase include Idlewild, Sandcastle water park, and SoakZone. Other parks in the deal are Lake Compounce, and Story Land. They expect the deal to be closed by March of 2008.

© Devin Olson

Buyout: Kennywood will have a new owner in 2008.

Parques Reunidos owns many parks throughout Europe and just recently began the United States expansion earlier this year with the purchase of multiple water parks. The company owns 61 amusement, animal, and water parks in Europe and the US with a revenue of $570 Million. The company approached Kennywood to present their offer so that they can expand their plan to consolidate family-based parks around the world.

"In recent years, we've had talks with other operators wishing to acquire us, but Parques Reunidos is the first one to share our vision and philosophy." said Harry Henniger, chairman of Kennywood entertainment. The current staff and management will all keep their positions and Henniger also stated that there will not be many changes.

One change visitors will see is a new ride. A $2 million dark ride, Ghostwood Estate. The ride is planned to replace Gold Rusher, the parks haunted mine ride that closed last year. The ride is set to have eight haunted rooms.