An unfortunate accident at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California resulted in the death of veteran employee, Bonnye Mavis Lear. The 60-year-old fell from a moving golf cart backstage at the theme park on the morning of Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at approximately 11:30 am. Emergency services responded to the incident immediately.
Lear, a Fullerton resident, had been a part of the Disneyland team for 24 years. Most recently, she assisted with membership services at Club 33, a private dining club in the New Orleans Square section of the park. Club 33, founded in 1967, was inspired by executive VIP lounges at the 1964 New York World’s Fair and is located above the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.
On the day of the accident, Lear was sitting in the rear-facing seat of the golf cart with three other passengers. The cart was traveling at around 20 mph when it hit an irregularity in the road. Lear attempted to hold onto the handrail, but it failed, causing her to be thrown from the vehicle. She suffered a fractured skull and brain swelling from the fall and was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition. Despite medical interventions, Lear succumbed to her injuries two days later.
Ken Potrock, Disneyland Resort President, expressed profound grief over Lear’s death, stating, “We are devastated by Bonnye’s passing and extend our deepest sympathies to all who knew her. Our priority now is to support her family and our staff during this difficult time, ensuring they have the necessary resources.”
The Anaheim Police Department is currently investigating the cause of the accident. Some coworkers, including Rae Delgado, a Disney California Adventure Attractions cast member, accused Disneyland management of encouraging staff to remain quiet about the details of Lear’s death. Delgado posted about the incident on Facebook, stating that the accident might have been prevented if the golf cart had not been handled recklessly.
Lear’s colleagues and friends have voiced their condolences and recollected her dedication and contributions to the Disneyland community. They characterized Lear as “one of the kindest people you would meet.”
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident, as both Disneyland and Disney World have experienced several fatal accidents involving guests and employees over the years. Some of the notable incidents include the death of a monorail pilot in 2009, a four-year-old boy collapsing on the Mission: Space ride in 2005, and various others involving rides and attractions. These incidents underscore the constant safety concerns that Disney theme parks must address while managing their extensive operations and ensuring the safety of millions of annual visitors.
As the investigation into Lear’s death continues, the Disneyland Resort community grieves the loss of a cherished and dedicated member.