After the “incident“, Kings Island is removing the loop from Son of Beast…

KINGS ISLAND, Ohio – The State of Ohio’s Department of Agriculture released today its final report detailing the outcome of the extensive Son of Beast inspection. The report reaffirms initial indications that the incident was an unforeseen single event failure.

Kings Island will now focus its energies on the appropriate and necessary changes needed to reopen the ride in 2007. In addition to reinforcing the physical structure of the ride, the Park plans to remove the loop. Taking this extra step enables the use of lighter trains, which will reduce the load and lead to a more comfortable ride experience.

The Park is making good progress on Son of Beast and is fully committed to reopening the ride in 2007.

…I guess I should find myself lucky to have survived the loop on this wooden roller coaster.

Steve Irwin’s death this week by stingray attack was tragic, but I have to ask, is there anyone who is really surprised that he was killed by a wild animal? It probably wasn’t even much of a surprise to Steve either. Just a few years ago he is quoted as saying, “If I’m going to die, at least I want it filmed.” Not that it’s consoling in any way, but deep down, isn’t the real attraction of Steve’s documentaries the danger element?

Steve and his documentaries will certainly be missed by millions.