Coroner confirms third death at Disney in 10 days was a suicide.

In a troubling series of events, two suicides occurred within a span of ten days at Disney properties, the latest being the case of Matthew Cohn, a 28-year-old individual who tragically took his life at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in Florida. According to the Orange County Coroner’s Office, Cohn died from “multiple traumatic injuries” after jumping from a building at the resort. His death marks the third tragedy reported at Disney destinations within just ten days.

Cohn’s incident unfolded last Thursday when he reportedly leaped from an upper balcony in the Bay Tower of the Contemporary Resort. This location connects to the broader resort complex via a sky bridge, and its proximity to the well-known Magic Kingdom adds a layer of irony to the nature of these events. Authorities disclosed that Cohn’s death followed closely on the heels of another suicide at the same resort. On October 14, a 31-year-old woman named Summer Equitz also took her life by jumping from the main building.

The scenes witnessed by guests on the morning of the incident featured an overwhelming police presence, which prompted immediate concern and speculation. Witnesses reported that Disney staff knocked on doors urging guests not to look out of their windows, while other personnel attempted to shield hallway views from onlookers, seeking to maintain privacy and discretion in an already fraught situation.

Compounding the sorrowful events at Disney properties this month, Cohn’s death occurred just two days after an unassociated incident where a man in his 60s experienced a fatal medical emergency at Walt Disney World’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Additionally, earlier in the month, on October 8, a woman in her 60s became unresponsive and subsequently died while on the Haunted Mansion ride at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, which is located approximately 2,500 miles from the Florida resort.

As authorities continue to investigate these incidents and their underlying factors, the recent spate of tragedies raises broader discussions surrounding mental health and the circumstances that may lead individuals to such devastating conclusions, especially within environments typically associated with joy and family entertainment.

The string of unfortunate events has drawn attention to the need for ongoing support and resources for mental health, particularly in high-traffic tourist areas. As the community grapples with these incidents, it remains imperative to foster awareness and provide access to mental health resources for those in need. The discourse surrounding mental health is crucial, particularly within family-centric environments like Disney, where expectations of happiness are inherently high.