Army amputee thrown from NY roller coaster, dies

  Eyewitness NewsDARIEN, N.Y. -- A U.S. Army veteran who lost his legs while deployed in Iraq was thrown from a 200-foot-tall roller coaster at an upstate theme park on Friday and was killed.

James Thomas Hackemer, 29, was ejected from the Ride of Steel roller coaster at the Darien Lake Theme Park Resort, located between Buffalo and Rochester, at about 5:30 p.m., the Genesee County sheriff's office said.

The park confirmed a guest "came out of the Ride of Steel roller coaster" and said it was "saddened to report that the guest has passed." It said local authorities and its safety experts were investigating.

The park's website describes the Ride of Steel as one of the tallest coasters east of the Mississippi River, climbing 208 feet and reaching speeds in excess of 70 mph.

The roller coaster and surrounding area were closed after the man's death, park spokeswoman Cassandra Okon said.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and the family of the guest," she said.

The death was at least the second in the last couple of months at Northeast amusement parks. In early June, an 11-year-old girl on a class trip to Morey's Mariner's Landing Pier in Wildwood, N.J., fell about 150 feet from near the top of a Ferris wheel and was killed. A state report found the ride's restraints to be working properly, and investigators haven't been able to determine how the girl, who was riding alone, got out of the Giant Wheel gondola.

Hackemer, of Gowanda, lost his right leg below his knee and his left leg at his hip because of a roadside bomb while he was deployed in 2008, authorities said. He had been living with his parents.

"It's going to help a little bit that he was happy," his mother, Nancy Hackemer, told The Buffalo News. "We shouldn't have had him for these last three years and four months."

She said the family had recently returned from the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in Washington, D.C., where her son got "a new set of legs."

"He was assisted onto the ride," she said. "He was doing what he wanted to do."

(Copyright ©2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Get more U.S. & World News »

u.s. & world news

View the original article here

Family Fun With Teenagers and Children in Las Vegas: New York New York Roller Coaster Ride

New York New York Roller Coaster Review

The New York New York Coaster is one of the Las Vegas family attractions offered by New York New York Hotel and Casino. Formerly known as the Manhattan Express, this ride has exhilarated its guests since 1997. Favored by younger guests like teenagers, it is one of the most exciting entertainment options and activities to do aside from partying while in Las Vegas.

Noted not just for its heart-pumping speed of 65 miles per hour, this attraction also has a faux New York cityscape from its replicated Statue of Liberty to the various Manhattan landmarks. Each train is also designed similar to one of New York's familiar sights- yellow taxicabs. Riding in these roller coasters will also treat you to a clearer view of the whole Strip from the air.

You can even experience the most unique wedding ceremony with New York New York Roller Coaster - that's right, you can exchange wedding vows at the whipping speed of 67 mph. You can have a morning ceremony for $600 while night ceremony costs $700.

Located at the 2nd level of the hotel, this ride is not for the faint-hearted. Perfect for those who are seeking the most exciting and thrilling rides, challenge yourself with the various loops and hills of New York New York Hotel's roller coaster. The ride starts with taking you to a steep hill, giving you some ample time to admire the views of the Strip from the top. Then, when you least expect it, you will be pulled back dropping you to up to 140 feet. And it doesn't end there for you will be electrified with more loops, 180-degree heart line spiral and hills.

Due to its thrilling nature, some restrictions apply before admission. One of the main requirements for its riders is the height requirement. Riders must be at least 5'4" tall to be accommodated. So if you qualify and have the guts, why not have a sky ride in Vegas by riding these roller coasters? New York New York Roller Coaster is one of the most popular attractions in Las Vegas for teenagers and simply one of the top fun things to do in Vegas. Take this ride with your friends have the best times of your lives.

New York New York Roller Coaster Ticket Price

All tickets include a souvenir photo as you quench your thirst for speed on board New York New York Roller Coaster. Regular ticket price is $14 per person. Additional tickets for second-time riders are for $7 each and should be bought together. Special offers and discounts are offered like a $25-ticket for the "All-Day Scream Pass" and group rates of $60 for their "Flight-for-Four" package which is good for four riders and includes 2 5x2 close photos.

New York New York Roller Coaster Ride Schedule

New York New York Hotel and Casino's Roller coaster is open 7 times a week. From Sundays to Thursdays, it is open from 11am till 11pm while on Fridays and Saturdays, it is open from 10:30am till midnight.

The New York New York Coaster [http://www.lasvegasshowsandattractions.com/new-york-new-york-vegas-family-fun/] is a family attraction for everyone to enjoy. Finding free family attractions is fairly easy to do if you just look in the right places. We've even done the work for you! Check out more free family attractions in Las Vegas and enjoy vacationing with the entire family.

We'll also show you the best Las Vegas hotel discounts and offers that are sure to save $$$.

[http://www.lasvegasshowsandattractions.com/]