The Texas Giant roller coaster at Six Flags Over Texas has been closed since Friday, when a woman reportedly fell to her death. It has been confirmed that local law enforcement will not be leading the investigation. Instead, that job will fall to the theme park itself.
The victim, later identified as Rosy Esparza of Dallas, died Friday evening. While police have ruled out foul play, the official cause of death is still unknown. Eyewitnesses have told local news outlets that Esparza’s safety restraint was not secure. Local authorities already completed an investigation, with police and fire departments responding to the call.
USA Today reports that the ride will remain closed until the Texas Department of Insurance completes its safety inspection report. spokesman Jerry Hagins stressed that the agency’s only role is to oversee liability insurance and keep up-to-date safety inspections. The roller coaster’s safety inspection sticker was valid through February 2014.
“The ride has to be stopped and not re-opened until it's re-inspected by a certified inspector. That's what's going on now,” Higgins stated.
However, since this was an accident, the Texas Department of Insurance’s will not investigate the cause of death. That will be up to Six Flags, which will have an internal investigation into the case, notes Dallas News.
“We are committed to determining the cause of this tragic accident and will utilize every resource throughout this process,” Six Flags spokeswoman Sharon Parker said in a statement. “It would be a disservice to the family to speculate regarding what transpired. When we have new information to provide, we will do so. Our thoughts, prayers and full support remain with the family.”
The company said that Esparza is only the second person to die on one of its attractions since the Texas park opened in 1961. Her family hasn’t commented publicly.
