Disney World Coaster to Be Closed Until Fall After Mechanic’s Death

Walt Disney World officials in Florida say an Animal Kingdom roller coaster will stay closed as a federal agency investigates the death of a resort mechanic who was working on the ride.

Park officials said the Primeval Whirl won’t reopen until at least Sept. 14. It has been shut down since January, when it began undergoing maintenance. The routine maintenance was delayed when 52-year-old Russell Roscoe was struck by one of the ride’s vehicles on March 13. He suffered massive head injuries and died the next day.

The new date coincides with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s six-month deadline to complete its investigation. Disney officials say the ride also undergoing planned maintenance that was pushed back to accommodate the agency’s investigation.