Shields, who is from the Toledo area, appeared to be having trouble breathing as he completed a ride on Kings Island’s Firehawk roller coaster at about 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, according to operators of the ride.
Mason police provided the victim’s name. Kings Island spokesman Don Helbig declined to identify him, but said he was pronounced dead at Bethesda North Hospital in suburban Cincinnati at about 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
“Obviously, we are deeply saddened,” Helbig said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.”
Helbig said there was no indication that the ride had contributed to the man’s death.
A spokesman at the office of the Hamilton County coroner, Dr. O’dell Owens, said Sunday that the office would have no comment on the matter without Owens’ authorization. Owens was not available.
Betsy Slone, a spokeswoman for Bethesda North Hospital, confirmed Shields’ death at the hospital. Slone declined to provide any details of the death, citing federal privacy law.
The Firehawk roller coaster has operated since 2007 without incident, Helbig said. Kings Island restarted the ride at midday Sunday after a state ride safety inspector determined that the coaster was operating according to the specifications of the manufacturer, Vekoma International.
Firehawk subjects its riders to speeds of up to 51 mph, including flips and sharp turns, during a two and one-half minute run along steel tracks that reach 115 feet high. The track length is 3,340 feet, more than half a mile. Each train accommodates 24 passengers, according to Kings Island’s Web site.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2242 or jnolan@DaytonDaily
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