The Latest Disney World Death Happened At The Same Hotel, Was Just Also Ruled A Suicide

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Walt Disney World aims to be a place of happy, lasting memories, but recently, the resort has experienced a series of tragic events. In less than two weeks, there have been three deaths at Walt Disney World resorts, including two suicides at the same hotel.

Disney World’s Contemporary Resort Has Seen Its Second Recent Suicide

Mathew Cohn died last Thursday from injuries sustained in a fall from the 12th floor of the Contemporary Hotel. The Orange County Coroner has ruled his death a suicide. This follows a separate incident where a woman seemingly jumped from inside the hotel and landed near the Monorail tracks, also ruled a suicide.

I was so saddened to hear about the woman who passed away on October 14th. Her name was Smmer Equitz, and it turns out she was a huge Disney fan! Apparently, she secretly planned a trip to Orlando from Illinois, leaving home sometime before she died, and hadn’t told anyone about it. It’s just so heartbreaking.

It’s deeply unsettling to have two suicides occur so close together, and at the same Disney World hotel. The Contemporary Resort was one of the very first hotels built when Walt Disney World opened, along with the Polynesian Resort. Its status as an original hotel, and still one of the tallest accessible buildings on property, might explain why it was chosen. Rooms have balconies, and the hotel is designed with an open central area to allow the Monorail to pass through, with walkways on each floor. While the walkways have railings to prevent accidental falls, they aren’t high enough to stop someone determined to climb over.

Sadly, Disneyland has also experienced incidents of suicide. In recent years, at least three people have died after falling from the Mickey and Friends Parking Structure, believed to be intentional acts. The structure is thought to be chosen because it’s one of the highest publicly accessible points in Anaheim.

Disney Parks Have Also Seen Natural Deaths In Recent Weeks

Besides the two recent suicides, Disney Parks has also experienced two unrelated deaths. Last week, a man in his 60s suffered a medical emergency at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. Earlier in October, an elderly woman experienced a medical issue while on the Haunted Mansion ride at Disneyland. Both individuals were taken to hospitals, where they were sadly pronounced dead.

If you’re struggling with thoughts of suicide, or if you’re worried about someone who is, help is available. You can visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for resources, or call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 988.

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2025-10-28 19:38