Woman dies after freak reaction to riding rollercoaster caused internal blood loss

An Ohio woman unexpectedly died after riding a rollercoaster in June, and her autopsy has revealed the cause of death: Severe loss of blood from a tear in an artery.

Dawn R. Jankovic of Brunswick, Ohio was found unresponsive on the Voyage Coaster at Holiday World Theme Park & Splashin’ Safari Water Park in Santa Claus, Indiana on June 4. She was immediately treated by emergency medical technicians on site, then transferred to the nearby Memorial Hospital and Healthcare Center where she died that night.

ABC station WEHT has shared the coroner’s report online, which lists three causes of death: “exsanguination,” which is a severe loss of blood, “avulsion of the right internal thoracic artery,” a tear in the artery, and “amusement park roller coaster.” 

Per Evansville Courier & Press, Dubois County coroner Katie Schuck explained that Jankovic experienced “‘severe blood loss internally’ from a tear in the artery listed above, which is located on the outside of the back of a rib cage.”

Shuck also reiterated that while the rollercoaster is cited as the third cause of death, nothing technically went wrong on the actual ride.

“It had nothing to do with the ride itself, but it basically was just the force,” Shuck explained. “It was just a reaction her body had from riding the ride.”

“It had nothing to do with a malfunction or anything, as far as safety and that type of thing,” she added.

Holiday World also performed multiple inspections on the ride following the incident and concluded that the ride had indeed been functioning properly.

“Our hearts continue to go out to Dawn’s family, friends and all those who have been impacted by her loss,” Holiday World spokeswoman Sabrina Jones said.

“The wellbeing of our guests and team members is our number one concern every day. The park’s ride and attractions have delivered hundreds of millions of thrilling experiences through the years and our vigilance in taking care of our guests, as well as our team members can be counted on in everything we do.”

Jankovic’s tragic death was officially ruled an accident.