11-year-old dies after raft flips over on Raging River ride at Adventureland

Another minor remains in critical condition

The Raging River ride at Adventureland (Hoff07/YouTube)

An 11-year-old boy has died after an accident at Iowa’s Adventureland when a raft overturned on the water park’s Raging River ride.

The child, identified as Michael Jaramillo, died from his injuries, according to a statement from the Altoona Police Department on Monday. Another minor remains in critical condition.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Jaramillo family as they navigate the heartbreaking loss of their child,” said the police statement.

Three other people were injured on Saturday evening when the raft, which was carrying six riders, overturned on the water. Two were left in critical condition and one with minor injuries after the incident.

In an initial statement on the Adventureland Park Facebook page, Raging River was said to have passed inspection the previous day and found to be “in sound working order”.

The attraction, which takes riders through rapids on large circular rafts, has since been closed and is undergoing investigation.

A statement from the water park said: “Adventureland is saddened to learn of the passing of one guest involved in the Raging River accident on the evening of 7/3/21.

“Adventureland is working closely with both the state and local authorities, and would like to thank them again for their efforts. At this time, we ask for your thoughts and prayers for the guest and their family, as well as for our team members who were onsite.”

The Raging River ride at Adventureland Park has come under scrutiny before, after a fatal accident took place in 2016.

An Adventureland Park employee, Steve Booher, 68, died after falling on the conveyor belt and fracturing his skull, having spent just six days on the job.

He died from major brain injuries four days later at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, according to Des Moines Register. At the time, Iowa’ Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined the theme park $4,500, which is the maximum penalty for the violation.