SeaWorld Orlando confirmed Tuesday that its flagship Mako roller coaster has reopened to the public after a precautionary shutdown that lasted roughly one week. The closure was prompted by the tragic death of a 42‑year‑old man who fell from the Goliath coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, a ride built by the same manufacturer, Bolliger & Mabillard.
Why the precautionary closure?
SeaWorld officials explained that because Mako shares its ride‑system supplier with Goliath, as do four other attractions at the Orlando park—Manta, Pipeline, Penguin Trek and Kraken—the park chose to pause operations while the manufacturer conducts a thorough review. The decision was described as a safety‑first measure, not an admission of any fault at SeaWorld.
Manufacturer’s response
Bolliger & Mabillard, the Swiss engineering firm that designs the coasters, said it is actively investigating the Georgia incident. In a statement, the company expressed deep sadness over the loss and indicated it would refrain from further comment until it has a clearer understanding of the cause.
Legal and safety context
Attorney Michael Haggard, who has represented families in previous amusement‑park accidents, argued that all rides built by Bolliger & Mabillard should be shut down until a full investigation is completed. He raised concerns about restraint systems, asking whether they employ dual restraints such as a lap bar and a seat belt. Haggard cited his prior work on the 2022 death of 14‑year‑old Tyre Sampson on a free‑fall ride, which led to Florida’s “Tyre Sampson Act” mandating additional safety inspectors and stricter ride‑operator training.
Other recent fatalities
The Georgia tragedy follows two other high‑profile amusement‑park deaths in Central Florida. In September 2025, 32‑year‑old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala died after riding the Stardust Racers coaster at Universal’s Epic Universe, with an autopsy attributing his death to multiple blunt‑force injuries. His family later reached an amicable resolution with the park.
SeaWorld’s next steps
When asked about any modifications or repairs to Mako, SeaWorld declined to provide details, stating only that the ride is now operating safely. The park emphasized its commitment to guest safety and noted that routine inspections are ongoing across all attractions.
What this means for visitors
Guests planning a visit to SeaWorld Orlando can now enjoy Mako alongside the park’s other Bolliger & Mabillard coasters without delay. The park encourages riders to follow all posted safety instructions and to report any concerns to staff immediately.
The reopening underscores the importance of proactive safety measures in the amusement‑park industry, especially when rides share common engineering designs. As investigations continue, both the manufacturer and park operators remain vigilant to ensure that similar tragedies are prevented in the future.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
