Cedar Point operator settles lawsuit from woman injured at Top Thrill Dragster

Justin Dennis
·2 min read
3

SANDUSKY, Ohio (WJW) — A settlement has been reached in an injury lawsuit brought by a Michigan woman who was seriously hurt while waiting in line for Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point.

The terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

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Attorneys for Rachel Hawes of Michigan said the 44-year-old woman was waiting in line for the roller coaster when a metal bracket broke off the ride and struck her in the head, causing her to suffer a traumatic brain injury and “unimaginable pain.”

Hawes is expected to need care for the rest of her life, attorneys said in February court filings, as reported by the FOX 8 I-Team. By that time, Hawes’ medical bills had topped $2 million, with future medical expenses projected to reach $10 million.

A Cedar Fair spokesperson on Monday issued a joint statement on behalf of the park operator and the Hawes family:

The Hawes family and Cedar Fair LP have mutually agreed to resolve a legal claim arising from the injury Rachel Hawes sustained while standing in line for the Top Thrill Dragster on August 15, 2021. Rachel suffered a life-changing injury but has been blessed with a tremendous support network that, along with her resilience, has helped on her journey towards recovery. Rachel truly appreciates all the public’s support and prayers and Cedar Fair’s cooperation and open communication with her family and their counsel. While terms of the settlement are confidential, the parties were able to come to a fair and equitable agreement that satisfies both parties.

Statement from Cedar Fair and the Hawes family

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Hawes’ attorneys had gathered more than 50 potential witnesses, many who were at the park that day, including an off-duty Lorain County sheriff’s deputy who witnessed the injury.

Park operators closed the ride after Hawes’ injury. They then announced the following year the ride would be retired. It has since undergone a resdesign and is expected to reopen on May 4 as “Top Thrill 2.”

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