A somber day unfolded at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, as longtime employee Bonnye Mavis Lear passed away following an unfortunate fall from a moving golf cart. The incident took place backstage at the theme park on the morning of Wednesday, June 5, 2024, around 11:30 a.m. PST. Emergency services were promptly deployed to the scene.
Lear, 60, a resident of Fullerton, California, had been employed at Disneyland for 24 years. Her most recent role involved supporting membership services at Club 33, a private dining club located in the New Orleans Square area of the park. Club 33, which started in 1967, took inspiration from executive VIP lounges at the 1964 New York World’s Fair and is situated above the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.
During the incident, Lear was in the rear-facing seat of the golf cart with three other passengers. The cart, moving at roughly 20 mph, hit a bump in the road. Lear attempted to hold onto the handrail, but it came loose, leading to her expulsion from the vehicle. She suffered a skull fracture and brain swelling due to the fall and was rushed to a nearby hospital in a critical state. Despite the best medical interventions, Lear succumbed to her injuries two days later.
Ken Potrock, Disneyland Resort President, voiced his deep sadness over Lear’s death, stating, “We are devastated by Bonnye’s passing and extend our deepest sympathies to all who knew her. Our priority now is to support her family and our staff during this difficult time, ensuring they have the necessary resources.”
The Anaheim Police Department is currently investigating the cause of the accident. Some fellow employees, including Rae Delgado from Disney California Adventure Attractions, have suggested that Disneyland management has encouraged staff to stay quiet about the circumstances of Lear’s death. Delgado shared details about the accident on Facebook, indicating that the incident might have been preventable if the golf cart had been operated more cautiously.
Many of Lear’s coworkers and friends have offered their condolences and reminisced about her commitment and contributions to the Disneyland community. They characterized Lear as “one of the kindest people you would meet.”
This unfortunate event is not the first fatal accident to occur at Disney theme parks. Over time, both Disneyland and Disney World have seen numerous fatal incidents involving both guests and employees. Examples include the death of a monorail operator in 2009, a four-year-old boy losing consciousness on the Mission: Space ride in 2005, and various other accidents related to rides and attractions. These events underscore the ongoing safety challenges that Disney theme parks confront in managing their extensive operations while ensuring the safety of millions of annual visitors.
As the investigation proceeds, the Disneyland Resort community mourns the loss of a cherished and respected member.
