Amusement Park Tragedy

Woman dies in roller coaster accident at Six Flags Over Texas

UPDATE: Family members identified the victim as Rosy Esparza; the Arlington police department released a statement saying that it did not find any foul play or criminality associated with the incident.

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A woman died while riding the Texas Giant roller coaster at Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington Friday. The cause of the accident has not been determined.

The woman has not been identified. Six Flags Over Texas spokesperson Sharon Parker issued a statement, saying that the ride would be closed pending further investigation of the cause. Some witnesses said that the woman's restraint was improperly secured. The rest of the park remains open.

Witness Kanisha Howell told CBS DFW that she and her daughter watched the woman fall out of her seat as the roller coaster reached a peak, and that it took emergency responders awhile to locate the woman.

Witness Josh Fleak tweeted, "Literally just witnessed someone fly off the Texas giant two seats in front of me." He also told a reporter that the restraints on the seat opened, causing woman to fly out.

Gabe Flores, another witness on the ride, said that the woman was accompanied by two family members. "The worst part in all of this is she fell off at the beginning so her family rode the rest of the ride knowing she fell out," Flores said.

Singer Bridgit Mendler, who was scheduled to perform at the amusement park on Saturday, announced via Twitter that she would cancel her show. "I am so sorry that I won't be able to see those of you who were planning on attending my show tomorrow and I hope you will understand the circumstances," she said.

The Texas Giant opened in 1990. It was closed in 2010 to replace its wooden track with steel rails, and it reopened in 2011. It reaches 14 stories high and has a drop of 79 degrees, which the Six Flags website claims is the steepest drop of any wooden coaster. The ride uses a bar restraint to secure passengers.

Another roller coaster, The Shock Wave, has been closed for a month while the park awaits a replacement part.

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Running With the Pack

Miles, smiles, and tails take over Memorial Park Thursdays with the Houston SPCA Run Club

Photo courtesy of Houston SPCA

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As Houston enjoys some of its most beautiful spring weather, the Houston SPCA Run Club offers a meaningful way to spend a Thursday evening at Memorial Park.

Meeting each week at 6:15 pm near the Runner’s Stretching Deck, the Houston SPCA Run Club welcomes walkers, joggers, and runners of all levels for the park’s popular 3-Mile Loop, which begins promptly at 6:30 pm.

What sets this run club apart is its mission-driven spirit. Participants can bring their own dogs or spend time with adoptable pets brought by the Houston SPCA, creating a uniquely Houston blend of fitness, community, and animal connection.

Whether someone is training for a race, easing out of the workday, or simply looking for an active social outlet, the club offers an easy, relaxed way to engage.

For many participants, that commitment extends beyond Thursday nights. A number of runners also support Houston SPCA through the Chevron Houston Marathon’s Run for a Reason program, turning miles logged into life-saving support for animals in need.

And who knows? You may just fall in love with an adoptable dog and give him or her the forever home they've been waiting for. The Houston SPCA works tirelessly to match eligible pets with owners, including good-natured dogs like Tobias, who was recently adopted by a loving family.

Meet dogs like Tobias (recently adopted) at the Houston SPCA Run Club.Photo courtesy of Houston SPCA

So, lace up and leash up, every Thursday evening! The Houston SPCA team will have water bowls available to help keep your pup hydrated.

Join the Houston SPCA Run Club, and if you meet your match, celebrate the unconditional love of a rescue animal by adopting. To learn more about the Houston SPCA and its mission, visit HoustonSPCA.org.