State inspectors are investigating a “tragic” Disneyland accident that killed a Club 33 employee who fell from a moving golf cart and hit her head in a backstage area of the Anaheim theme park.
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health is investigating the fatal Disneyland accident, according to the California Department of Industrial Relations.
Club 33 administrator Bonnye Lear, 60, of Fullerton was seriously injured on Wednesday, June 5 when she fell from a golf cart in a backstage area behind Critter Country. She died from her injuries on Friday, June 7.
I used to work with Bonnye, and she was quite literally the kindest human who worked at the Disneyland Resort. This is truly very sad for her family and fellow Cast at the Club. https://t.co/G7gXAVFQCr pic.twitter.com/KkHyh9gVXD
— Just Ask Danny (@just_ask_danny) June 8, 2024
Anaheim police detectives are investigating the traffic collision.
Disneyland is required to report any serious injury or fatality to Cal/OSHA within eight hours and preserve any physical evidence related to the accident.
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Following workplace accidents, Cal/OSHA safety engineers inspect and photograph the accident site and conduct employee interviews in private.
Disneyland is governed by Cal/OSHA’s Amusement Ride and Tramway Unit, but it remains unclear whether the special enforcement unit will investigate an accident that didn’t involve a theme park ride or attraction.
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Following the investigation, Cal/OSHA enforcement safety engineers will file an Injury and Illness Incident Report and can take enforcement actions ranging from notices or citations to monetary or criminal penalties.
Disneyland officials have not yet announced whether any changes will be made to safety protocols involving golf cart seating configuration, speed restrictions or weight limitations.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of Bonnye and offer our sincere condolences to everyone who cared for her,” Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock said in a statement. “At this time, we are focused on supporting her family and our cast members through this tragic event and making sure they have the resources they need.”
