3 Guests Die at Disney: What Is Happening?
Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, is often hailed as the "most magical place on earth," a sanctuary where families and visitors escape reality to immerse themselves in joy, fantasy, and wonder. Yet, in mid-October 2025, a somber and unsettling sequence of events has cast a shadow over this beloved destination. Within just 10 days, three guests have reportedly died on Disney property, including two suicides at the iconic Contemporary Resort and a medical-related death at Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. The latest victim, 28-year-old Matthew Cohn, was officially ruled by the Orange County medical examiner to have died by suicide after sustaining multiple traumatic injuries from a fall at the Contemporary Resort on October 23.
A String of Tragedies at the Contemporary Resort
The Contemporary Resort, known for its distinctive A-frame architecture and its monorail that zips right through the building, has been the site of two of these heartbreaking deaths. Earlier in the month, on October 14, 31-year-old Summer Equitz also died by suicide at the same hotel. The Orange County medical examiner's office confirmed that Equitz died from "multiple blunt impact injuries" after a jump, as reported by Entertainment Weekly, dispelling inaccurate social media rumors that she was struck by the monorail.
The resort, which opened alongside Walt Disney World in 1971, is a place where guests expect to find magic and happiness. Instead, it has become the backdrop for two tragic losses in less than two weeks. The unique design of the Contemporary, with ledges facing both inward toward restaurants and shops and outward toward the monorail station, has raised questions about safety measures and the pressures guests may face even in such a joyful environment.
The Third Death: Matthew Cohn's Fall
Matthew Cohn's death on October 23 marks the third fatality on Disney property in just over a week. According to the medical examiner's office, Cohn died from "multiple traumatic injuries" after jumping from a height at the Contemporary Resort, as reported Entertainment Weekly. Video shared by guests showed a large emergency response near the Bay Lake Tower area of the hotel, underscoring the gravity of the incident.
While Disney representatives have not publicly commented on these events, the cluster of deaths has inevitably sparked concern and speculation among visitors and the public alike. What is driving this string of tragedies at a place designed to be a refuge from the stresses of everyday life?
A Medical Episode at Fort Wilderness
Between the two suicides at the Contemporary, another guest reportedly died on October 21 at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. The man, said to be in his 60s, was found unresponsive in bed by his wife and later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, as reported by Entertainment Weekly. While this death was not related to suicide, it adds to the somber atmosphere surrounding the resort during this period.
The Contrast Between Expectation and Reality
For many, a trip to Walt Disney World is a chance to escape the pressures and challenges of life. The parks and resorts promise a world of enchantment, where worries melt away amid fairy tales and thrilling rides. Yet, these recent events remind us that even in places designed for happiness, real-life struggles and tragedies can unfold.
The deaths at the Contemporary Resort, in particular, highlight the complex intersection of mental health and public spaces. The resort's architecture, while iconic and beloved, includes ledges and heights that have unfortunately been the sites of fatal falls in the past, including a similar incident in 2016 when a guest jumped from one of the hotel ledges. This raises important questions about what safety measures are in place and how mental health crises are addressed in such environments.
Reflecting on the Magic Kingdom's Dark Moments
As you consider these events, it's natural to feel a mix of emotions — sadness for the lives lost, curiosity about the circumstances, and concern for the well-being of others who visit or work at Walt Disney World. The resort remains a place of joy and wonder for millions, but these tragedies remind us that behind the scenes, real human struggles persist.
Disney World has not yet responded publicly to the recent deaths, leaving many questions unanswered. How will the resort address guest safety moving forward? What support systems are in place for visitors facing mental health crises? These are critical issues that deserve attention as the resort continues to welcome guests from around the world.
References: Disney Death Ruled Suicide, the Second in 10 Days | Disney World guest death announced as suicide at Contemporary Resort | Disney World Guest Dies of Suicide at Park Hotel, Not from Monorail
