Summer Equitz, a 31-year-old lifelong Disney enthusiast, tragically died by suicide at the iconic Disney World in Orlando, Florida, on October 14, 2025.
Known for her love of Disney, the former Disneyland employee was found at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
With authorities recently dispelling rumors about Equitz's death, here is everything we know:
Who was Summer Equitz
Equitz, originally from Naperville, Illinois, had a deep connection with Disney from an early age.
She worked as a character performer and entertainment host at Disneyland between 2012 and 2015.
Over the years, her social media reflected her passion for the Disney universe, where she frequently shared glimpses of her Disney adventures, including a memorable moment with Disney CEO Bob Iger in 2021, which she captioned: “My life has peaked.”
Despite her joyful posts, a darker story unfolded on October 14, 2025, when Equitz traveled to Florida alone without informing her family.
This unannounced trip triggered concerns when a Reddit post was shared in a missing persons thread, detailing her sudden departure and requesting help to locate her. A family member had written: “She booked a flight there without telling us, unfortunately," per PEOPLE.
Sadly, the search ended with tragic news, as her body was discovered at the Contemporary Resort that evening, prompting a swift response from authorities.
Authorities Confirm Cause of Death and Clarify Misinformation
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Equitz died from multiple blunt impact injuries and ruled the case a suicide.
Initial rumors suggested that Equitz had been struck by the hotel’s monorail, but authorities swiftly dispelled the false claim, stating: “The person was NOT struck by the monorail.”
A police spokesperson added that “We don’t release additional information in cases of suicide,” maintaining the sensitivity of the case. While Disney has not issued a public statement regarding the incident, the Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office has not confirmed the validity of circulating images of Equitz.
A Dark History at the Contemporary Resort
The Contemporary Resort, known for its sleek A-frame design and location just steps from the Magic Kingdom, has a history that now includes multiple tragedies.
Disney historian Jim Hill told The New York Post that there is a “weird phenomenon” where people, often in deep emotional distress, come to Disney World to create one last happy memory.
In 2016, a similar incident occurred at the same resort, when a guest tragically jumped from one of its balconies.
The latest incident has prompted renewed conversations about mental health and safety at Disney properties, especially as more stories of distress and tragedy surface.
A Joyful Chapter Turned Tragic: Equitz’s Last Moments
Equitz’s tragic death marks the end of a chapter that had, up until then, been filled with joy.
In 2024, she celebrated her honeymoon at Walt Disney World with her husband, Nico Danilovich. Later that year, she shared the happy news of her pregnancy in December.
Despite this, Equitz’s sudden trip to Disney World in October without notifying her family left them frantic, ultimately leading to the missing persons post and the devastating discovery of her passing.
Remembering Summer Equitz
Friends, family, and Disney fans have expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Summer Equitz, who was remembered as a passionate fan of Disney.
On social media, tributes poured in, with one person writing: “Terrible ending to this. Sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace…”
Our thoughts remain with Equitz's loved ones during this difficult time.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.