Girl, 6, killed after flying off rollercoaster was ‘beautiful and cheerful’

Tributes have been paid to a six-year-old girl who tragically died after flying off a theme park ride and into the ground.

Wongel Estifanos, who has been described as a 'beautiful and cheerful' child, fell off the Haunted Mine Drop at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Colorado on Sunday.

Her family were visiting the park on a day out when the accident took place. The ride is meant to simulate freefall, and dives 110 feet (33 metres) directly downward.

Emotional tributes have since poured in for the young girl, reports the Mirror.

A tribute on a GoFundMe fundraising page set up for the family read: "Our brother Estifanos and sister Rahel have lost their beautiful daughter Wongel Estifanos tragically in an accident on Sept 5th, 2021 while riding the Mine Drop Ride in Glenwood Springs vacationing with her family.

"Wongel was a beautiful, caring, and cheerful girl who loves Jesus so much for a 6 year old girl. Her life was cut short in this tragic accident.

"Her parents , families and all the community is devastated by this tragic and sudden loss. We want all the community to stand with the family during unthinkable loss.

"We understand nothing will bring her back, but we do not want this to be an additional burden to the parents; hence asking for your help in this matter.

"Your support will help cover the funeral cost and other expenses of the family at this difficult time."

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So far the fundraiser has gathered around £20,000 which will go towards the cost of her funeral.

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park said in a statement after the tragedy that they were 'deeply saddened' and that the park would remain shut until Friday.

Earlier reports claimed that the death came after previous park visitors had said on social media that safety belts on the ride were not tight enough.

One rider said on Facebook: "I rode that ride in June and the young girl running the ride didn't seem to know what she was doing.

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"My safety belt wasn't tight and I felt like I was coming out of the ride.

"I tried to tell her but they started the ride. I'm thankful I was able to hold myself in. Prayers to the family and those on the ride."

A spokeswoman for the Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety, which oversees theme parks, was reported to have said that a state inspector would come to investigate the ride.

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