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Third person dies at Disney World in less than 2 weeks following superfan's tragic suicide

A third person has tragically passed away at Disney World in the space of two weeks, with investigations ongoing.

The Contemporary Resort has been the location of recent tragedies, with a Disney fan dying by suicide there two weeks ago.

The most recent incident also took place at the hotel, as staff allegedly urged guests to keep away from their windows.

Police Activity Reported at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Authorities have not released the cause or time of death, but a TikTok video filmed Thursday from a guest’s window appeared to show police tape and several officers and emergency workers gathered in the resort’s courtyard.

Inside the Magic reported that some guests said cast members knocked on their doors and asked them not to look out their balconies.

“Something happened in the back of the building with crime scene tape surrounding the water fountain. I don’t know if somebody jumped or accidentally fell to their death, but something happened. And they have an employee at every single window to shield you from looking out the back so you can’t view,” one guest shared on Facebook.


Contemporary Resort Connected to Previous Tragedies

The Contemporary Resort has seen multiple tragic incidents in recent years. Just recently, Disney superfan Summer Equitz, 31, from the Chicago area, sadly died by suicide at the park.

Equitz had married last year, honeymooned at Disney World in October, and later announced her pregnancy.

Earlier this week, another man died after a separate incident at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.

According to Inside the Magic, police, resort staff, and medical responders were called to the property around 7:30AM on Tuesday after reports of a “Person Down.”

“A man in his 60s experienced a medical episode and was transported to a local hospital, where, unfortunately, he died. There are no signs of foul play,” an OCSO spokesperson told The New York Post.

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Summer Equitz passed away at the park. Credit: Facebook/@Summer Equitz

The Contemporary Resort’s Troubled History

The Contemporary Resort, a high-end hotel located within walking distance of Magic Kingdom Park, has been linked to several similar tragedies.

Rooms at the resort can cost more than $1,000 per night, and the hotel’s distinctive modern design has made it one of Disney World’s most recognizable properties.

In July 2023, a man was found dead at the same resort.

Police confirmed the details of the incident in a statement: “On July 26, 2023, at 5:33AM, deputies responded to the Contemporary Resort after a call came in about a man found unresponsive on the hotel grounds. He was pronounced deceased on scene,” the statement read.

At the time, one guest posted on X, claiming that “security wouldn’t allow us to take the 5th floor bridge to Contemporary this morning.”

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Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. Credit: Roberto Machado Noa / Getty

Inside One of Disney World’s Most Iconic Hotels

The Contemporary Resort is one of more than 25 hotels at Walt Disney World and is widely recognized for its futuristic look and its monorail that runs directly through the lobby.

The hotel also houses Chef Mickey’s, Disney World’s original character dining restaurant, where guests can meet Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, and Daffy. The restaurant opened in 1977 and was originally known as Coconino Cove.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.

Featured image credit: Roberto Machado Noa / Getty

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disney worldsuicidesummer equitzcontemporary resort