James Thomas Hackemer, 29, of Gowanda, was ejected Friday from the Ride of Steel roller coaster at the Darien Lake Theme Park Resort...

Lorida - The victim's age was mentioned in the second sentence of the article. It also said that an initial investigation found no obvious problems with the restraints. The article said nothing about cutting back on maintenance. Sometimes accidents just happen. Don't point fingers when there is no evidence of wrongdoing.

My thoughts are that the restraints were working properly, but they're designed for use by people with legs. Your legs are proportionately heavy and act as a counterbalance in certain positions. Many rides use lap bars as the primary restraint which is normally sufficient. Unfortunately, I can see where a bilateral amputee would not have the proper locking created naturally by the legs. I know, probably wrong terms, but I'm not an engineer.

Nonetheless, it's sad. He had suffered enough from the trauma of war. Rest in peace.

It was nice to read his parents seem at least somewhat comforted by the fact he was having fun and living his life as best he could.

My wife lost both legs above the knee because of illness before she passed at a fairly young age. It is a hard life. She like this young man tried to not let life slip by because of the challenge.

I thank him for his service and appreciate his bravery in moving on with his life and Comfort to his family for their loss.

Do you even read??? In both cases the inspectors did in fact inspect the ride prior to the accident and after and both have been determined operation and structure was determined safe. The above case I agree with the gentleman who is an amputee, I would have said no to roller coasters. As for the 11 year old girl, unfortunately it was human error. Frankly how is it that a child is buried and two days later the parents can appear on tv..... and with a lawyer no less. I lost a child and I am siding with Morey's pier if anyone is familiar with that ride. It is impossible to fall out unless you actually get up and lean over. The school should be held responsible. If it was a school trip and I was a chaperon I would make sure two kids went on every ride together and not by themselves. It seems feasible that the 11 year old was probably looking over to see if she could see her friends.??

Yes, but Obama didn't start the war with Iraq did he Robin?

I've recently been to Cedar Point with my kids, and not knowing this park, this sounds to be a bit like the Blue Streak..... the smaller hills lift you right up out of your seat, the leg restraints are all that keeps you in (but don't get me wrong; it's the BEST part of the ride! Love it!).

I'm kind of thinking that all should've known better about how this would work out, how the physics of it do depend on the legs. I don't kow, but the amputation at the hip.... this likely made that side of his body completely free from restraint, then a twist or torque freed him from the seat altogether.

I do feel bad for the family and him, and at least they take some refuge knowing he died happy. This making the news also may make some others think before attempting certain rides in similar condition. Other than not thinking it completely through, can't really fault the park. They may not have ever encountered such a situation before.

Now the bigger coasters, MIllenium Force, the Magnum, Raptor.... those all have shoulder restraints which would have done him just fine.

You are supposed to be of a certain height to ride many rides. He probably didn't measure up I guess. What a very sad story.

I can see the lawyers lining up now to sue the park.

Oh how terrible. He fought the war and then dies having fun. This saddens me so much.

Wow Robin, did you even read the story?

Lou, to assign blame to a president for this accident is far reaching if you ask me. Using your same theory of assigning blame, should the mother and father of this veteran be blamed too because they conceived him?

Can't you read? Or do you just make a habit of sounding off on things you've never even checked out?

That ride has a lap belt only. Unless he had the belt threaded through a full torso harness, it would be very difficult for him to stay in.

I will also note that it is likely he had some brain injury and his judgment was impaired from concussion.

He should not have been allowed on the ride, but he should also have known that the ride wasn't safe for him.

Perhaps what they should do is to allow amputees on, but require them to wear a parachute harness that has the lap belt threaded through harness. It wouldn't be a high cost for the amusement park. Those harnesses cost $100 used, and a couple hundred new.

ONE MORE death due to George Bush's Fake war to make his buddys richer. Shameful.

The only thing MORE shameful is people who use a tragedy like this to spew their political hated. I expect you read every article and then ask yourself, "How can I tie this back to my hatred for George W Bush?" It's time to get a life and move on, dude.

@Robin, although I don't believe this particular death can be laid at the feet of President Doofus, aka Bush II. It is disingenuous to insinuate that Obama is to blame for the Iraq or Afgan war. He didn't start either and is trying to extricate our country as quickly as possible, against the advice of the military commanders and many on the right, I might add.

What I really take exception with, is the use lately, of the moniker, "Our Dear Leader" referring to Obama. To equate Obama with Mao because he wants to raise the tax rate 4% on the upper 10% is the definition of hyperbole.

Mao was responsible for the death of tens of millions of his people. He was an evil, evil, truly evil man. Did I say he was evil? Trying to make our society slightly more equitable for all the people and not just those on top does not a Mao make. Read some history before you grab onto the latest talking point or slur from Beck and Fox.

If they had refused him a ride, the lawyers and media would have had a field day with the Americans with Disabilities act. So they let him on and he falls out - bad press anyway (the lawsuit will probably come after a couple of attorneys talk to the parents about how much money they can make). Ya just can't win with today's legal system and modern media.

I don't think the fact that he was an amputee made a difference. Did you not read the article? His mother said they had recently returned from Walter Reed hospital where her son received a "new pair of legs"! He had prosthetics! I bet anyone could have looked at him walking around and not even known he was an amputee. Why blame the victim? When is America going to wake up and realize that these types of rides are not always safe? How many people have to die!

Did you read the story, it also said that he was ASSISTED into the ride. Why do you think they had to ASSIST him into the ride? My guess was because they had known he was an Amputee!

They knew he was an amputee- but they probably didn't know their coaster safety measures wouldn't work with this case...

You normally don't find many amputees at amusement parks riding roller coasters. Until specific situations happen, quite often there is no way to plan for them.

Ellen says: That ride has a lap belt only. Unless he had the belt threaded through a full torso harness, it would be very difficult for him to stay in.

That of which you speak of is otherwise known as a 5-point restraint, which is what Nascar, Daytona and Indy drivers use when racing. Pilots in the military flying jets, rotary and some other fixed wing planes do the same.

There have been times when I've climbed into a coaster car/buggy and felt there wasn't enough restraining measures to suit me.

Being a hawk for our military based throughout the world and in the U.S., this young man and his family are getting my blessing and prayers. Perhaps, had he died while in Iraq, he would have been considered another "statistic." It's ironic that with this freak accident, it became a news piece.

My heart goes out to his family, and may he rest in peace.

Legs could not work as a counterbalance nor assist in holding him in position... It must have been a nightmare to the poor soldier. My thoughts, prayers and respect to him and his family. RIP

I am not saying this to be controversial or to make waves, but it popped into my mind about how many of our returning wounded veterans are so very depressed. That made me wonder, just for a minute, was this possibly not an accident?

Whatever the reason or cause, he has earned my respect, thanks and his family also deserves our thanks for their sons willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country. May he rest in peace and be whole again in paradise.

Aggie - I highly doubt that a vet would take his life in this way. Yes, too many of our sons, brothers, husbands, fathers come back, have a hard time re-assimilating and do not receive the help they deserve and need. Too many end up on the streets or taking their lives but not in a public manner that would effect so many. This was pure and simple a tragic accident.
May he rest in peace. Our condolences to the family and our thanks for his service.

You are probably correct. As I said, it was just a fleeting thought.

Just expounding on that thought process- Anyone think of a better way to go than a one time flight (insomuch as the adrenaline rush, and it's bound to be quick... A bullet just isn't as exciting...)?

Something you'll never experience, and why not?

Now, at the same time- I'm not going to even THINK of suggesting this. There is no validation or even hint of a suggestion of the possibility... Had there been anything, I would consider the possibility- but otherwise, I'll simply thank him for his sacrifice, and drive on to continue the mission.

i've always thought that rollercoasters with legs-only restraints should have 1 or 2 full body restraints for people like me who are afraid of heights and would just like a little more to feel safer on bigger rollercoasters. i don't tend to ride big rollercoasters with leg-only restraints because i freak out... and now i guess this would also help for amputees. after all, i have seen quite a few people with amputated legs riding rollercoasters before... or maybe they could make a full-body harness that you could lock into the leg restrants and the headrests or whatever else is up top...its just a thought...

but rest in peace Hackemer, and thank you for serving in our military!

what i meant was a full-body harness that you could purchase from a store or from the park that could be incorporated into the design of the rollercoaster's seats or benches... sorry it stopped letting me edit and i forgot that part.

All roller coasters should come equipped with one car that has a harness safety belt. It should be called the "Hackemer" belt, and should be designed simple and economical so amusement parks will be quick to install. We need to facilitate and accommodate these young brave soldiers who have bravely confronted the dangers that threaten our freedoms. It is a small price for the price he paid.

BS.

He had no business on that ride, regardless of his valor.

Not being cruel or unfeeling, but it was a stupid thing for him to do.

Hey Charles and after they get done with that maybe they install a car seat in every ride so you can take your kids with you huh? His family said he was warned of the danger and still chose to ride which I find insane because they usually do not give you a choice, if they find your in danger they will kick you off and not let you ride. The fact they gave this man a choice just boggles my mind. In any case the family at this moment is saying they wont be pursuing a legal matter.

Shhhh!!! Don't give them anymore ideas!!! The government's all ready stripping our freedoms.

ya... let the lawyers do the regulating

I think you will find that there are safety standards for amusement park rides, otherwise there would be even more deaths than we see currently.

I also believe that amusement parks are quite safe; most of the accidents involve something done on the part of the rider. Sometimes a misstep as this, sometimes intentional screwing with the restraints some way or another, but it's really, really rare for the ride or restraints themselves to somehow cause the accident.

Remember it's also in the best interests of the park to keep safety priority #1.

Yeah, all we need is more government regulations and interference.

With a lap belt, a double amputee can't possibly stay in.

I'd venture the guy took the sad decision to end it while it still was good.

I think you will find that there are safety standards for amusement park rides, otherwise there would be even more deaths than we see currently.

I don't know about other states, but in Colorado, the Division of Public Safety has a public conveyance department - and one of the department's purposes is to insure the safe operation of amusement park rides - both in stationary parks and in short-term "carnival" type situations. I would assume most, if not all, states have a similar governmental agency.

Right Mike! Government should regulate more crap! They should start by regulating what people say on sites like this! Then they should regulate how much we eat! They should also feel us up before we get on an airplane to make sure we are safe. And they should regulate how much sex we get (I'm not getting any so a few gorgeous women should be forced to give me some for the public good). Then regulate what we think (there are several existing methods to alter aspects of human cognition not the least of which is public indoctrination,,, I mean education), stop us from eating meat (it's not green enough), make it so we cannot protect ourselves and say government will do it for us, and force everyone to work for the US Government so they can better control us. Oh, wait, they're already doing half of that now. And they are working on teh other half as I type.

I agree, big government needs to get off the backs of free enterprise amusement park businesses so we can have some really cool rides. Completely safe rides are for wimps.

I would rather really live and die young than exist in a sterile government controlled socialist Utopia into useless old age. (actually, it's already too late for that - I'm old but I still don't want a nanny)

No- he was not standing on it. He was sitting... there is a more in-depth story at www.wivb.com

.....He had no legs

Cranky knows he wasn't standing - I hope.

The man had no legs, so I don't think he was standing anywhere.

I'm amazed at the number of reading impaired who can't pull facts or form reasonable conclusions from short stories.

It's the decay of the educational system Cheetah. It is also the reason why stupid politicians get elected: Stupid people can relate to them, so they vote for them. Stupid people don't understand what the intelligent are saying, so they don't vote for them. And stupid teachers produce even more stupid students and the system breaks down further and further and further,...

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."

Jherek- Do you feel like an idiot now? You really should...

Right-he had no legs so he was probably a little top heavy.

The same people who rag about others who want the government to do everything for them - then turn around and rag that the education system doesn't do enough to educate them.

You get out of education what you put into it - I should know, I was a C student in High School and an Honor Student in college.

Maybe if your parents didn't provide and put so much energy in to the things that distracted you from your studies - then just maybe you would have achieved some goals other than Grand Master at Donkey Kong.

They should take all extra curricular activities out of schools - if you are there just to be in sports or on the Prom committee, then you are wasting educational tax dollars.

more clearer? Really?

The sooner people understand their mortality, maybe they can live better lives.

Not sure I see the connection to this story. He was a soldier that was hit by an IED and lost his legs, but survived. I'm fairly certain he understands how fragile life is, moreso than a lot of people. He had the strength to go through years of therapy, move beyond his injuries and go on with life.

He lost both legs, right? Is the restraint a lap restraint that relies on the rider having legs to restrain them?

I just wish the artical was clearerer... lol

cathee; pay no attention to the No people - they only come here with attack on their mind. Taking the No approach is the easy button of forum debate, rather than practice restraint or form their own argument - they lay in wait and will resort to even the slightest of things to pounce on.

They never address the main points of a persons post - it's always the weakest statement they attack. I guess it somehow elevates them, filling a void that results from other circumstances - like having no voice at work or in their own home.

damn that was deep you hit it on the head lol do you have a blog drainbramage?

.

rattus68

I am an amputee. In rehabilitation at Reid AMC and Beaumont Army Hospital we were given stucture of a lot of, if you will, "do's and don'ts." Fast moving rollercoasters was on the list.

LTC Rattus, USA, ret.

Whoa Rattus a little compassion please.

Retired MGYSGT

MGYSGT,

Beg your pardon Master Gunnery Sergeant. I meant no disrespect or demonstration of a lack of either empathy or respect. Once I posted -- I read my post and noticed that it was devoid of compassion.

That was my error and my mistake and I wish to apologize publically for not showing proper empathy. It was very rude on my part as I went through all of the pain and effort of rehab after losing a leg in Helmand Province.

Master Gunny, It will not happen again. I offer no excuses except for the fact that when one suffers such and injury that is nowhere near as rough as the mastery of the rehab---one has a tendency to be so, if you will, "wrapped up in the difficulty and pain of rehab that it is easy for one to forget that all of us are different."

I was out of line and thank you for giving me structure. All of us need structure from time to time. Anyway, I do.

Again, my apology.

V/r,

Rat

rattus - your first post didn't seem to lack compassion whatsoever. You stated a fact. There is nothing wrong with that. My first thought upin reading the article is that it is reasonable to assume that someone who has lost both legs has a different center of gravity that might alter the effectiveness of the ride's safety restraints.

Thank you for your brave service and devotion to this country.

rattus, I agree with ABC. And I would like to thank you as well. I also admire you for your respectful response to the MGYSGT. I wish you well. We will never be able to thank you brave men and women enough. I am so sorry you are all being subjected to the horrors of these useless wars. God bless you, and again, thank you.

Your post was not disrespectful. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. And I am awestruck reading your reply back to the MGYSGT. You sir are a class act! I would be honored to have served under someone like you. Glad you made it home.

@Rat

Thank you for serving first of all and second, I am so sorry for your sacrifice for that service.

I did not see anything disrespectful in your post. Don't beat yourself up. May God Bless you.

As for James Thomas Hackemer and his family, may God also Bless you for your sacrifice. I love your positive look regarding the situation. This was a tragic accident. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

@SuzeeQ - very well said. I agree completely.

@Rat - your humility is far too rare. I thank you for setting a good example and I wish you continued strength in your recovery.

rattus68

Good luck with the re-hab. I wish you the best. It's a shame what happend to the Vet in NY.

The young man served his country and paid a huge price. He returned home and made a decision to do something that he wanted to do that unfortunately resulted in his death. He exercised the same freedom he fought and sacrified so much for by doing what he wanted to do; something that made him happy.

The expression of condolences for this tragedy should be the order of the day.

Good Day All.

TO-----RATTUS68......is that the same REID med. center that was mistreating our vets. from Afghanistan/Iraq full of unsanitary filthy mold? Inquire from an E.M.T./Paramedic what B.S.I. protocol means.

Speaking as an amputee, I saw no disrespect in Rattus' first statement, Sir. And I can assure you that as an amputee, he is emapthetic toward the poor victim. Trust me- it hurts your heart every time you hear about or see another person going through it. It is, however fairly straightforward- I personally can be unbalanced sitting in a car that makes a perfectly safe, slow turn if I'm not mindful. A roller coaster,as much as I once loved them, would be bad. When you loose a large portion of a leg, your entire center of balance changes. This man lost all of one leg and part of the other. He should have been warned about situations like this.

I thank you both for your service to our great country, Rattus- thank you can never be enough for your sacrifice, or the sacrifice of the victim of this tragedy. May he rest in peace. He is, just as you both are, a hero of this country.

Milo, can you read? If so, what did rattus68 say that was so bad?
Scratching my head on THAT one, Milo.

LTC Rattus - I didn't see a lack of compassion; I saw a man who had learned a very difficult lesson the hard way and choice to seek a positive future. Your observation was based on the facts as presented.

Gunny - I know that you guys think you know better than everyone but sometimes; just once in a while; there might be a minor detail you could possibly have missed. In the late 70's, I finally came home with all of my parts intact, but still carry some significant scars, physical and emotional. But I'm not clubbing anyone over the head with them. They are my scars to bear.

Rattus...............>>You showed absolutely NO disrespect whatsoever. You simply stated a fact. If some people are so touchy, they need to deal with it, not you.

Thank you for protecting us and sacrificing so much. Words cannot express my gratitude.

Opto

rattus68

My apologies to you Sir, I am sorry if I offended you. I have slapped myself as a result of my assumption I guess as an old salt I missed your point. Rehab has at times sucked the life out of me, so I do understand where your coming from. I wish you the best. Again my apologies.

rattus68

Well friend I sure bit the bullet on this one. I reread the above comments and now feel like a complete ***. Its amazing how a little comment can mean so many different things to different people.

Bottom line is I salute you Sir for your service and your sacrifice.

You sir are a class act!

Agreed! Bravo and thank you for your service, rattus68.

Jean, technically the war wasn't illega; ill-advised maybe but not illegal. I suppose we should simply stay out of various locales and simply allow themselves to kill each other, which the Iraqis and Iranians have a fondness for doing.

rattus: I took no disrespect from your post. But, just the fact that you took it on yourself to apologize because someone did, shows only one thing: You're a class act all the way. God Bless you and thank you for serving your country.

Jean and Matt

As a gulf vet I feel completely justified to tell you both to go to hell. You may both bow down and suck it. Not everyone makes the choice to just sit on their hands and wish for a better world. Some of us are willing to fight in a land not ours, for a people who we don't know for a cause we're not sure about. Just hopeful that we are doing some good. that's why everytime $hit happens, the world expects America to come and help.

@rattus-68, Milo2:

I believe that both of you have lost your situational awareness. This is the Internet, therefore you are SUPPOSED to call each other names and cast aspersions on each other's parentage when you disagree about something. Get with the program, people ;)

"Some of us are willing to fight in a land not ours... for a cause we're not sure about."

That you do not see the stupidity of that quote, that is the evidence of a problem.

Have you ever watched that video that was posted on Wikileaks that shows our military murdering innocent journalists-and talking about it like a bunch of sociopaths? Sure didn't seem like those guys were fighting for a better world...seemed more like they get a thrill from shooting people.

BTW-we didn't go over there to fight "for a people who we don't know..." or make the world "better", we went there because there were supposedly WMD's which we later found out was B.S. So then, why did we really go there?

Hundreds of thousands of troops have served over there. You cannot judge them all by the actions of a few. I would never say every mother in Florida is a child killer even though all I hear about parents in Florida is about them murdering their kids. In every group you have some idiots. Boy scouts, the Catholic Church, Congress, on and on. I never met anyone who wanted to kill a child. Quit trying to judge everyone in groups by the actions of the worst few. As for causes, I don't live in black and white world. Aren't you glad that no one listened to all the people who thought we should stay out of the second world war . Someone has to be man enough to fight for what's right.

BTW we went over there originally to liberate the Kuwaitis, you should know a little history at least.

@ Jean, Wow! How dare you?!! Our soldiers do as they are ordered, whether they agree with it or not, because that is their duty! To put them down for fighting for your freedom is absolutely absurd! I myself think we should stop helping any other country because no matter what we do, we get put down by the rest of the world. I say put up LARGE borders, get rid of the illegals and start helping our own and to heck with the rest of you. I am done doing the right thing and helping others only to get slapped in the face!

Have you ever watched that video that was posted on Wikileaks that shows our military murdering innocent journalists-and talking about it like a bunch of sociopaths?

Exactly - this mindless fawning over genocide is, quite literally, frighteningly insane.

Smarty Pants, you either didn't watch the entire video or you watched it with your mind made up already on what happened.

There was a firefight there just minutes before. The helicopter was looking for any remaining bad guys. The journalists made a stupid decision to go outside too soon after the firefight and they were carrying equipment slung over their shoulders that looked like weapons.

The helicopter circled around for a couple minutes trying to decide who the guys on the ground were and whether they should take them out or not. They finally got the ok and took them out. They thought they shot the bad guys. It's hard to kill the enemy without having a callous attitude toward them and that's why they were talking the way they were. They were mortified when they found out it was reporters.

People like you try to spin everything to suit your needs for an argument. Your brief description of what happened is nowhere close to what really went down.

Rattus - Thank you......you used the commonsense approach. It is generally not even recognized in our society anymore. I thank you for your input.....not knowing the proper procedures/instructions for someone with such prosthetics - one really cannot form a proper comment.

Yet, as a member of the human race, I can offer my condolences to the family....no matter what the reason for this death - it is still a sorrowful event.

Those who have not served or who have not had DEEP conversations w/ those who served have no idea what was going on in the dialogue between LTC Rattus, USA, ret. and MGYSGT Milo. MGYSGT Milo & LTC Rattus dialogued in accordance w/ military protocol.
My deepest gratitude to them both for their service.
USMC Mom

Looks like Milo hasn't adjusted to civilian life - we don't pull rank out here - it is disrespectful to we who treat others as equals.

I too live in chronic pain - it is a 24/7 struggle and anyone who is healthy, has not a clue what it entails day after day. You can't win - if you complain you are a wuss and if you use humor you are insensitive.

I wish humans had that Spock mind-meld thing - one touch (putting yourself in others shoes) and they would instantly know how wrong they are. Keep fighting and keep laughing.

Roodles - it was the duty of the guys in the chopper to provide a commander with all the information they could before engagement. You don't go to Level 5 of the ROE's without cause. A "maybe" is not reason to skip the other levels. They are fighting in cities - not the jungle. We chose to fight in their cities, which requires one to act as tho they just as likely are civilians as they are soldiers. If it means you wait until fired on - then that is what you do - those are established rules - stop using emotions to argue military actions.

The reason cell phones were banned in Iraq from soldiers is because soldiers were filming themselves engaging in fire on innocent civilians - just for the fun of it. Pretty sure those videos are still on the net.

So I'm guessing you were there? I happened to be, it was my sister BN...we were all glued to the UAV and AH-64 feed. if you could have felt the tension during the engagement not to mention our BDE had already lost a few aircraft already. When someone has something that looks like an SA-18 you don't wait to be engaged, you have to take the initiative...and that isn't the reason cell phones were banned. i had a camera that could record video while over there...PID is basically your own judgement(how ever right or wrong it may be).

and that isn't the reason cell phones were banned.

Cell phones aren't banned... They never have been...

Drain- go re-read GO-1... Oh wait, are you even in the military?

Stupid is as stupid does. F. Gump

zanilth; go read Directive 8100.2

Any use of a cell phone in classified areas or regarding classified material is banned (pass that on to your Gump friend). I guess you decided on your own what is a classified area and which is not.

The restrictions presently are too hard to enforce - seems every G I Joe over there is packing around cameras and cell phones, and because the time required to enforce the restrictions is too demanding, the restrictions are not being enforced.

Several private army contractors have also "banned" yes, banned, cell phones - I suppose you want the details on those too...lol.

Seems you soldier are out of compliance if you are packing your camera around the battle field - or don't you think the battle field is considered a restricted/confidential area.

I wasn't talking about around your barracks. Would you also like to see your email restrictions/monitoring?

I'll need more info on your Go-1, unless you are talking about submarines???

kp; I'll pass that on to the President that you have free reign to bypass ROE's. You going to go to trial with that reasoning?

Somebodies seen Jack Nicholson movies too many times.

I'm sorry you guys are even put in that situation - too bad the media didn't report the facts before you joined. Every soldier I've talked with who has come back all said the same thing - total bs what is going on there - too many Tilmans who grew up on video games, thinking they were going there to save the USA - Like I said - sorry you got duped.

Any use of a cell phone in classified areas or regarding classified material is banned

Nice try- The entire theater isn't classified area. As I said- cellphones aren't banned.

OPSEC regulations aren't bans on cellphones.

GO-1= General Order #1...

Just making sure I had it right... Your statement was:

The reason cell phones were banned in Iraq from soldiers

Sorry, but cell phones aren't banned in Iraq- they are banned in classified areas in Iraq. Reword your statement, or slow down and read the WORDS and not your INTENDED meaning (because face it, there's no way to discern your intent from a written sentence that YOU misworded.)

LMAO - there are hundreds of GO's

Next you will tell me no one in the military breaks GO 1B.

If you want to put General Orders up against ROE's - well good luck.

It'd depend on how much of the leg was amputated. If it was below the knee, that should be plenty of leg left for the restraints to operate fully. If they had to be amputed near the waist, I can easily see that impacting the function of most of the park ride restraints I see. Unfortunately that detail isn't in the article.

Evil? I must be also, that was my first thought.

I have no problems with making the world as accessible as possible to everybody. I have no problems with people with situations wanting to get out and enjoy themselves. But it's a freakin' roller coaster, have a brain.

Onepoker

Please name a paraplegic Stanley Cup winner, or a an autistic astronaut.

The failure of your thinking is that everyone is the same - they are not. Everyone definitely has the potential for value of contribution to society - but it is not invalid to recognize that any person may can only provide "brain" or "brawn" or courage.

If you really want to change the world, focus on the folks around you. Encourage them to exploit their strengths, or bolster them if they are beat down. Every person has their purpose : sometimes the folks around us can see it best if we can't.

An employee should have told him no? Your kidding right? The man was mature to have served in combat but you want some teenage kid working a summer job to tell him you have to be this tall to ride this ride? Have you ever heard of The Americans With Disabilities Act? The park could have been sued and fined for telling him no. I mean no disrespect in saying this but I would bet that if he could somehow communicate with us the young man would own his actions and not place blame with anybody but himself. Thats what real men do. He wanted to ride, he wanted to have fun, he wanted to feel again and he died doing all of that. I would give my left nit to be so lucky. When I pass I would prefer that it be because I launch from a roller coaster than while sitting in my own waist tied to a wheelchair.

actually the joke around NASA is that it's sheltered workshop for asperger's.

The man's left leg was missing including the hip. The right leg was gone from about mid thigh. The restraint system on the Superman - Ride of Steel coaster uses both a lap bar and a waist belt. Judging by the picture of him, I'd say he'd have little protection from the lap bar, especially with any side to side abrupt movement. I'm not sure how tight the waist belt was.

Picture and writeup here:

http://www.buffalonews.com/city/article482793.ece

An astronaut with Asperger's syndrome--okay, Lisa Nowak. Not that this is really an endorsement of having astronaut's with Asperger's syndrome--but my point is that people don't necessarily tell you if they have Asperger's syndrome unless there is a reason to do so.

Why, AustinDad? Because people like you have a bad tendency to compartmentalize people and automatically think of a "disability" as making a person incapable of doing things. People with Asperger's syndrome are quite likely over-represented throughout NASA.

People with Asperger's syndrome have hyperfocus abilities (the ability to focus on something and tune out absolutely everything)--which is extremely helpful for those who are in jobs where such focus is absolutely required (science is one of those things). They often have extremely good math and science skills.

So, an astronaut with autism--probably there have been some other than Nowak. But, we know that she at least has it (which kind of explains her otherwise bizarre behaviors). And, while there may be no surgeons who identify themselves as having epilepsy (a known epileptic probably shouldn't be a surgeon), there are plenty of doctors who have epilepsy. A person with a "disability" is not a person who is "disabled"--the person has abilities and probably can do many, many things. This is why no one bothers to harp on what a person with a disability cannot do--if s/he cannot do it, s/he won't--but then, I could never be a surgeon either because I just don't have the focus. Have a great day.

I agree. As the old saying goes, "It is what it is."

Wow...they said something similar to this kid from Hawaii. He now lives in a big house in DC.

Wow! Really, Stephen B-2659188? You're joking right?! I'm pretty sure the ADA doesn't cover allowing someone on an amusement park ride, just because they're disabled or by refusing, said amusement park faces a potential lawsuit. That's just ridiculous. And has it occurred to you, the guilt that the ride operator is most likely feeling, for having let this man on the ride? You say the man would probably own that he made the choice to get on the ride, but probably doesn't count. Noone can say for sure. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to put together that an amputee, no less a double amputee, probably shouldn't be getting on that type of ride. I find it a tragedy that could have been prevented.

With that said, my thoughts go out to the family that lost a loved one. If they can find comfort in the fact that he died doing what he loved, then more power to them.

And the person with NO compassion will forever be ignorant of the high associated with being emotionally connected to other human beings. Well........that's taking alot for granted, that you qualify as such.

I agree. I actually feel bad for the amusement park and the employees - they were probably more scared of having a discrimination complaint by a disabled person than anything, so common sense went out the window. At least they didn't offend him, huh?

What an odd thread.

First of all my condolences to the family on their tragic loss...

To all those who feel that a person with handicaps can not achieve certain things please let your mind be open to the reality. Have you not seen the person who paints even though he has no hands, have you not heard of deaf persons writing music, have you not hear of man with no legs who wrestles. If you can imagine it, it can be achieved. Those with handicaps just have to work harder and in different ways from us "normal" people. Please don't judge people because of the limits of your mind.

It'd depend on how much of the leg was amputated. If it was below the knee, that should be plenty of leg left for the restraints to operate fully. If they had to be amputed near the waist, I can easily see that impacting the function of most of the park ride restraints I see. Unfortunately that detail isn't in the article.

Actually, it DOES give the extent of the amputations in the article:

"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."

To all those who feel that a person with handicaps can not achieve certain things please let your mind be open to the reality. Have you not seen the person who paints even though he has no hands, have you not heard of deaf persons writing music, have you not hear of man with no legs who wrestles. If you can imagine it, it can be achieved. Those with handicaps just have to work harder and in different ways from us "normal" people. Please don't judge people because of the limits of your mind.

When I worked with United Cerebral Palsy many years ago, we had a client who had extreme spasticity in his limbs and limited verbal ability. His main means of communication was by using a piece of metal embedded in one of his shoes to type on a special keyboard. He wrote some of the most beautiful poetry I have ever read. We had other clients who overcame disability to do amazing things. So I'm very familiar with the fact that people with disabilities can do great things. HOWEVER - that doesn't mean there aren't limits on what people can do. The example of a surgeon with epilepsy is a perfect one. Even those whose epilepsy is mostly controlled by medication can still have seizures. Would you really want to take the chance of having your surgeon have either a physical or mental seizure in the middle of an operation? Even a brief petit mal seizure could have dire consequences.

Wow, you really have no understanding of Autism do you? I'm not a specialist, but I do care for a boy who is severely autistic. Sadly he will never be able to be an astronaut. However, who is to say that a person who is not as severe as him won't be able to be one? There is a reason things are labeled as the "autism spectrum" as each individual is different as is the severity of their autism. I also cared for another child who had autism, and other than some social issues one would never know. A lot of people hear the word autism and they think of a nonverbal person with severe issues that cannot interact with anybody, does not like to be touched, etc. and that is just not always the case.

I dunno how Asperger's/autism came into the discussion, but it is strongly believed that some/many of history's greatest minds had one or the other condition.

Edison. Tesla. Newton. Michelangelo.

Gee, I'd hate to be associated with those cats.

If you would have read the story thoroughly, you would have read that he DID have legs! He had just received prosthetics!

Diane-777259 THANK YOU! it's like everybody was so caught up in their opinion they didn't notice that part of the article.

If they had told the guy no then we could be reading about a lawsuit for not letting him ride the rollercoaster.

He did have legs! But they got blowed off overseas by a roadside IUD! If you was reading everything you'd knowed that.

@Randall 1929..

I have Aspergers. Its took 30 years for me to figure out what was different about me and 3 different psychologists completely missed the proper diagnosis.

I personally think the joke about NASA being a sheltered workshop for Aspies is hilarious and its probably quite true because we are naturally tech' geeks who are somewhat loners and anti-social.

epistemologist: A friend of mine has it as well. Not the most socially graceful cat, but a nice guy once you get through, hard worker with an eye for detail. Sad part is, few people try to get through :(

LTKiwi has it exactly correct. Also, please think about the reason for the height requirement on amusement park rides. It is not intended to weed out adults from children - it is truly intended to keep riders in their seats when their bodies are under the increased demands placed upon them by simple physics. This rider should NOT have been allowed on the ride - I'm sure that if the operator had measured this person according to the height requirements that others have to meet, this man would not have ridden - and he would be alive today. I understand how uncomfortable, and possibly humiliating, this would have been for both rider and operator. But had either just done a little logical thinking, this tragic accident would not have occurred.

austindad- The point of my comment was to point out that everything the theop said is obvious but doesn't need to be spelled out. the average person understands everything he stated without needing to be told. People that think they need to point out the obvious are idiots in my opinion. I only treated him like a jerk because he was acting like a jerk.

as for my world outlook you couldn't be further from the truth, although I think people are far more capable than you give them credit for being. I do not believe in assigning equality of competence just based on emotional wants and needs. I had a very good friend whose medical career was cut short by epilepsy and I did not rally to save his job because I am aware that it was a danger to his patients.

most importantly the man who lost his life realized there were extra dangers in him riding the rollercoaster, But he chose to confront his challenges instead of living a sheltered life. i respect people who live their lives to the fullest far more than those who take the safe path.

I assumed the following was obvious but I will say it anyway. We lost a good man in this accident. He was a hero not for losing his legs but for putting his life at risk for every American and what we stand for and then he was a hero again for charging into life full speed ahead after many would excuse him if he chose to sit out the rest of life. Men like him are rare and it is truly a tragedy when one meets his end to early.

Tragic, yes. And very irresponsible.

He could have easily fallen on someone and injured them as well.

A man's got to know his limitations. C. Eastwood

"how could they have allowed him on the ride"? if they had not allowed him on the ride, the park would have been slapped with a law suite. You would have had a lawyer from the ADA the next day claiming discrimination.

@Prairiefire, That's ridiculous! If an overweight person tried to get on a ride and the safety equipment was unable to hold them down, do you think the Park would be to blame? It is the job of all the personnel working there to notice when something is not safe. This unfortunate vet had close to know legs. It is not an issue over discrimination anymore, its a matter of safety. If a person with no arms tried to get on a ride with shoulder harnesses but they had nothing to "hold on too", should they just let this person head off into the sunset and hope for the best? NO! It's a safety issue and not a discrimination case!

The ADA pretty much covers accessability. The amusement park rides must be accessible to those with disabilities and must have something in place for loading and unloading of disabled persons. Nowhere does it say that every disabled person, regardless of their disablitlies should be allowed on any ride at any time. The purpose of the ADA is by all means to provide those with disablitlies as close to as possible the same as for those without, but let's be honest... there are some disabled persons that are too severely disabled to actually make this possible. It's unfortunate, but true.

That doesn't mean someone wouldn't sue them because they couldn't ride.

Well someone should really sue them now! They should not have let him on the ride if he could possibly fly out! Why wouldn't a ride like that have steel shoulder harnesses that come down like the big coasters do at Six Flags in Texas? If a lap restraint was the only thing holding him in than than he should have not been allowed to ride. I hope the family gets a huge settlement from this park.

Some accidents can be prevented. My heart goes out to his family. God Bless them all.

Your right Steve. I work somewhere (no names mentioned) where they get all kinds of lawsuits against them. I could see some lawyer running with this one.

I'm sick and tired of seeing my tax dollars wasted on prosthetic limbs for people make such irresponsible decisions.

Perry-Bachman 2012

Markdad ad SNAPPA - did it ever occur to either of you that the park's staff might have wanted to accommodate a wounded veteran who probably assured them that he could handle the ride? Accidents happen. That doesn't necessarily indicate that anyone is at fault or that employees were intentionally negligent or careless. It can be a damned if you do, damned if you don't situation. If the park had not accommodated the man, he might have turned around and sued for discrimination. It's a terrible accident, but that doesn't mean that anyone is to blame.

Did it occur to any of you that the park had NO IDEA he was a veteran...and that they were protecting themselves against a LAWSUIT by letting him on. Once again...idiots that know more than what the article states.

I agree with you Markdad, the the vet should not have been allowed on the ride regardless of how much he wanted to and regardless if someone feared he'd file a lawsuit.

WisconsinDad, your point is well made and you're right: it doesn't matter if the ride operator didn't know he was a vet. But whether or not it was known doesn't begin to explain why the vet was still allowed to ride with a disability so severe that it made it dangerous to do so. Our laws prevent someone from descriminating against someone with a disability but none of us has an unlimited amount of personal freedom. The ride operator had an obligation to explain the safety issue.

The assusmed threat of a lawsuit should not in any way have swayed the ride operator to let the vet on the ride, period. The operator should have been better trained. It would not have been descriminatory to note that the vet's physical limitations would not allow him on the ride. Someone should have stepped up and said "no, sir, you can't ride,..it's just not safe for you".

To have suffered such serious injuries while serving our country in Iraq is remarkable. To have died in such a preventable accident is tragic. My heart goes out to his family.

@ Debbi, Wow, I couldn't have said it better myself. Everyone is stuck on this discrimination lawsuit thing.

@ Wisconsindad, Did it ever occur to you that maybe instead of the employee's thinking about a discrimination lawsuit they should have been thinking about a wrongful death lawsuit for not stopping someone from riding a ride that he was clearly not suitable for.

I just went to Magic Mountain a few weeks ago and every ride had a recorded voice stating safety rules and guidelines such as, if you have a heart condition do not ride, if your pregnant do not ride, etc. Its not because they are against people with heart conditions or they hate pregnant women. ITS A SAFETY ISSUE! Safety out weighs discrimination any day of the week.

Isn't it possible that the vet had on long pants and so the operator had no idea he was an amputee? Yes, it was obvious he had a physical disability of some kind since he had to be helped into the seat, but as has been noted here, it was likely the lack of the weight of his legs that contributed to the accident.

Do we require pat-downs at amusement parks the same as at airports to prove people are physically able to ride a particular ride? I'm sorry, but it was his own responsibility.

That said, thank you to him and everyone who serves in our military. This would not be the great country it is without your sacrifices and efforts. My sympathy goes out to his family.

That was my thought...we don't know they even knew the extent of his disability. This is an awful accident and I am sorry for his death and his family's loss.

Yes, we SO know the extent of his disability. One leg amputated at the hip, the other below the knee. Read. And ABCzyx, I don't care what the reasons were for the ride operator to allow this man on the roller coaster. It is the JOB of this idiot to screen people as to whether they will be safe on this rider or not. He failed, is responsible for the man's death, and the company for which he works is liable. Certainly the vet "assumed the risk" - but only to a degree. If the ride attendant were not important to the process, I'm sure amusement parks everywhere would gladly allow the rides to be self-operated.

Hey WisDad, I bitch that the Gov't has too much control, I also say that the Gov't should NOT babysit us to protect us from "ourselves". Regardless of this mans military status, Both the ride operator AND the soldier made decisions. Both bear responsibility in some measure (regardless of the reasons for their decisions). The Gov't should have no say in either side of this issue. Most of us "Die for NOTHING". If you think about it, very few of us are honored enough to actually die for SOMETHING. His sacrifice in war quite frankly is the ONLY reason people are reading this story all over the USA.

SO RIGHT ON! Thanks, kwloverhoss!!!!

Did you read the article at all? It said he had lost one leg at the knee, and the other at the hip. So on one side, he had no leverage at all to keep him in his seat.

@PaddyWhack- Big DITTO!!! @NYNY-Did you READ the article??? I see SO MUCH of this sort of thing. Why do I read these idiots' posts...

PaddyWhack-3132366 ItsRick Did YOU read the article? He had FAKE legs. im pretty sure he could have reached the height requirement with those.

The article didn't state if he was wearing the legs at the time of the ride.

God's will be done.

You are so stupid it hurts my head to read your posts.. get out of wisconsin

Prophylactic, you @!$%#ing idiot

And stop posting on @!$%# where you have no education.. anyone want a good laugh.. click on wisconsindad and check all his comments... Ignorant @!$%#... you swing way left which makes it worse.. but the left side isnt supposed to be ignorant.. thats the right sides job....right? douchey dem

WisconsinDad is a mindless troll fishing without a pole or a brain. Disregard him and he will slither away.

"WisconsinDad" might be yet another clueless parent who has let his child (they are out on vacation now) use his computer. If you do not sign out, then the computer keeps your identity, and anyone using that computer can coopt one's identity.

Yes, this is probably a case of a pre-teen who thinks he's being funny. The funny part would be talking to said teen who would probably try to convince you in a year or two that s/he ought to be allowed to drink because s/he is so much brighter than the average adult.

Pre-teen brains are a sad thing--that s/he would post to a thread like this and make snarky remarks is a measure of his/her lack of empathy.

The completely sad part is that it's people like WisconsinDad that have put an absolute moron in the Governor's chair -- but that's a whole other topic. :-(

As an intelligent resident of Wisconsin, please don't judge all of us by one person's comments.

I know he probably voted for Doyle multiple times. Hell he probably cheered when those asses fled their jobs and ran to IL to try and deny the will of the people. People like him protesting our current Gov doing what he campaigned and won on are a terrible example of wisconsinites.

Actually Fred - We DO know the details. He had lost one leg near the knee and the other one at the hip. That's not some obscure conjecture, it was one of the primary points made in the original article.

Why is it that so many people feel entitled to make their uneducated observation without having gleaned one single fact from the article? All of you mindless drones who think you can just throw your two cents in obviously didn't read the memo where your credibility factor has been devalued to ZERO!

I also commented earlier that the article DID give the extent of the young man's injuries. However - in defense of the people who have said "we don't know the extent of the injuries" or similar things: we all know that MSN is frequently guilty of putting up articles with limited detail and then adding more details later in the day. Is it possible that the original article did NOT specify the degree of amputation? I suspect this may be the case, since it's not just a single individual that didn't see the information.

Were only dancing on this earth for a short "while" is the actual line...and it is IRRELEVANT because this hero should have NEVER been allowed to ride this coaster. I am sure it was just a well meaning young kid who runs the ride that allowed a hero the chance at this opportunity, NOT thinking of the inherant danger. Lastly ANYONE like the mountaineer loser who posted below who says "watch, this family is just trying to fleece us by looking to sue" who can spew such moronic nonsense from their mouth (probably from west virginia...so that would make a little more sense) needs to SHUT UP and allow this family to grieve. IF and when they decide to take legal action, this is their RIGHT and NO ONE has the right to chastise or object to this, not even a hillbilly with NO common sense...

It was god's will that he died.

Praise Jesus.

First off would like to tell the family that I am sorry for their loss. Just remember he died doing what he wanted to do. My son is a paraplegic, He does things that as his mother I would like to stop him like taking his wheel chair to the top of bluffs above the lake and having someone shove him off so wheel chair doesn't go into the water. It is a place where he went as a young man before loosing use of his legs. goes on canoe rides down the rivers by himself. But these things are what makes him happy and I just hold my breath and pray a lot. Yes they want to do normal things. God bless the family for letting him do the normal things he wanted to do and God bless him now in the Lords hands.

My thoughts are with your family. Such a sad story. Your brother is a Hero and will live on in peoples memories as such. I found his homecoming story and posted it to let people know a little more about him. I am glad he came home to see you and your family again even if only for this short time. Take care and hope you all find Peace in the end.

He is the soldier in front.

Here is the pic.

www.18mp.army.mil/News/Archive/2009/MAR09/230thHomecoming/formation.jpg

Sister, my sincere sympathies for your loss.

Please note that there are a lot of stupid people out there. People so stupid that when they read an article in the news about someone's death, that they simply don't have the wits to understand that it was a real person who died. Please don't allow the stupidities mouthed by fools to hurt you.

Your brother was a brave man, a hero who did what he felt was right to serve his country. A soldier's job must be the hardest of all and rest assured he has won a place in the hearts of sensible people as the hero he was. The fools can make as many stupid noises as they wish but nothing they say or write can detract from that.

May your brother rest in peace.

My prayers for you and your family. You owe no explanation to anyone. Your brother's death is a tragedy, given that he served his country and was able to survive the war. Look beyond the petty on these boards because these small-minded people are not worth your time.

I wish peace and healing upon your family.

God Bless you and your family in this terrible time. Your brother was a hero who obviously came from a family of honorable and decent people. Thank you all for his service. Please know that while many will say insensitive things, many more people will pray for you. You don't hear from them because they are trying to show respect for you and your parents. You will all be in my prayers...

Amen Sister, I'm so sorry for your loss. This was a Veteran who fought, and was disabled for freedom, and he had every right to do as he wanted. Afterall, He certainly earned it! RIP Son, and Thank You!

Sorry for your families loss and I hope he died on his terms! Thank You for his service in protecting our Great nation.

Please find comfort in the fact that your brother did a noble deed to serve our country, and in the memories you and your family have of him. I'm sorry that you had to read some of the ignorant posts. The internet is a mean place sometimes. My wishes and prayers are with you and yours. Peace.

Sister - thank you for being so brave to post during a this difficult time. I am deeply sorry for you and your family's loss. I am also thankful for your brother's service and his sacrifice while serving our country. God Bless your brother and all of the other soldiers who have and are currently serving this country.

Sister-3722933

You and your family have my sympathy; could have my brother/son.

Sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the faith of God and His love.

Sister ..

I am so very sorry for your family's loss ... Please know that there are those of us who are praying for your family and know that I am extremely honored that your brother served in our Military to help protect our country. I send my deepest sympathy and gather some solace in the fact that your brother was doing what made him happy... Peace be with you and your family ^AOYS^

Way to go Sis, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. As a VN vet, I understand his feelings also. May he rest in peace. To all of the crude commentators on here today, stick your heads in the toilet and flush twice.

Sister -- your family has my thoughts and prayers. My son is also serving our country and I thank your brother for his sacrifices. I'm sure God has the most awesome roller coaster waiting in Heaven for your brother!

@Sister & Family -- Good for him, he was living and enjoying life on and at his own terms. I'm sure he knew and weighed out the risks of what he was about to do, but HE took control of his life and disabilities instead of the disabilities being in control. Again, I say good for him, but I am truly sorry for your loss. Your mother said it best, he was happy! My best to you and your family.

RONIN LSX

Mountaineer, she's quoting other people. And for the record, when someone you love does, it's never like winning the lottery.

Sister, please accept our sincere sympathy in the loss of your brother; he was a soldier who gave so much and we appreciate his service and mourn his loss.

Dont listen to the chorus of half-wits who regularly post here...they WILL answer to God one day for their cruelty. I will pray for your family in this terrible time of trial and sadness...

@mountaineer: Right on. Well said.

Sister, I'd also like to express my sympathies. And I'm sorry you had to read the typical self-absorbed idiocy that is part of Newsvine, please know that most people have nothing but good thoughts, prayers, and sympathy for your brother.

I don't believe there is anyone to blame here. Perhaps some additional straps would have been a good idea but since he had part of one leg, I can see where it was probably a borderline call. This is just tragic plain and simple.

God bless your brother and his courage to serve our country thereby keeping me, my friends and my family safe. We will always owe a debt to these people that cannot be paid. These disabled vets live with the sacrifices they have made for their country everyday. Anyone who does not go out of their way to help these people or says anything negative about them.. well, you are simply the cancer that is destroying this country from the inside.

Also, I feel very bad for the family member who was riding with him. There might be some guilt there since that person was not able to reach over and keep him from coming out. Just tragic all the way around.

We must simply ignore ignorant hillbilly's like mountaineer...they dont get out much in west virginia and they dont know how to act like normal, feeling human beings...regardless of what the family decides to do for this hero's memory, it is THEIR choice. He was allowed to ride probably by a kind young person not thinking of the rules, and he died. This is negligence, and if the family does sue, it is their right...I know they probably dont teach this type of common sense to hillbilly's, thus some of the remarks you get here. I am praying for the family.

Ignorant hillbillies? Hmm, now who's being ignorant, branxoz? Just because Mountaineer made some good points about a tragic situation doesn't mean he isn't correct.

@ sister, I have a post on page 10 I think, sending prayers to family and friends. and yeah, some people are just cruel with their posts, just take it with a grain of salt, they know no better than to ridicule others, or try to make fun of a tragic event.

Yeah Branxoz, we don't get out much down here. But we DO know how to capitalize words and how to properly use apostrophes, you illiterate hack. :-) Wait until YOU get sued for something that was REALLY the responsibility of the person suing you and see how self-righteous you feel.

Sorry hillbilly, I write the way I need to so that the person I am writing to can understand...I do not want to overwhelm you with grammar:) Have a nice day in hillbilly land:). Oh and I will not be back to read anymore of your ignorant comments...judging by the number of likes I have recieved, the "sane" people here understand:)

To Sister and family. My sincerest and heartfelt sympathies. I was horrified when I read the news about his death. May his soul be at peace forever. God bless him. If I ever had the chance to know him I would've carried him on my back for his service and sacrifice for us.

Sister - As I said to Aggie - Aggie - I highly doubt that a vet would take his life in this way. Yes, too many of our sons, brothers, husbands, fathers come back, have a hard time re-assimilating and do not receive the help they deserve and need. Too many end up on the streets or taking their lives but not in a public manner that would effect so many. This was pure and simple a tragic accident.
May he rest in peace. Our condolences to the family and our thanks for his service.
My apologies for the insensitivity of some of the posters. Your brother was a guardian, a protector. Pls pray for my son (USMC) and I will pray for James and your family.

screw you

Do you have any empathy/sympathy or even more important in this instance, a minor dose of tact! You are pathetic to be so analytical at this time; a family just lost a loved one and the country lost a hero. He went into conflict to protect you and our country, got his legs blown off, but you find it appropriate to criticize at a time when you should be offering condolences. You should be ashamed of yourself! And that goes for everyone else who wants to be so shallow as to criticize at a time of such immense loss for this family! My heart goes out to this family for the passing of their loved one.

My condolences to your family and a big thank you to your brother. I'm certain he's in a much better place now.

@loudva: Actually, this isn't a "condolences" sign-in book. It's a comment board. KA's comments were absolutely correct, and if people don't consider such things openly and frankly we will never move forward. We would simply continue making the same mistakes over and over.

I suppose if it were up to you, the Army would have sent off a lovely condolences card to this soldier's family and continued riding around in unarmored HMWWVs - never considering the possibility that perhaps some changes in equipment or procedures were needed to prevent similar injuries or deaths in the future.

I have to admit that I don't believe it's a good idea to allow ANYONE on a ride who has lost parts of their legs.. unless that ride has a shoulder harness.

I'm sorry.. I would bend over backwards to help our disabled vets but safety first!

Yeah, loudva2, that's it. Let's just all post like we're from Hallmark. God forbid we logically discuss/question anything about the tragedy.

Well said, George.

This is so insulting. i personally knew him and to even suggest suicide makes me wanna come through this screen and choke you. this man deserves respect and he did more in his lifetime than you could ever imagine. this man has been to hell and back all the while with a smile on his face and love for his country, family and friends in his heart. show some respect. he was trying to live and have some fun and it turned tragic. leave your @!$%# comments to yourself.

sdavis,

Some people are just callous, ignore them. My heart goes out to his family.

I'm on active duty myself and what I'm readying is really sad..... I couldn't imagine being the family member on the ride or even a family member at all and going through such a very hard time and not to mention being the person that allowed him to get into the ride in the first place. In just my opinion I think this soldier's legs detached from him while he was on the ride (assuming there were no shoulder straps) and when there's just a lap bar on the ride, which uses the legs and gravity of the ride to keep the person in, sadly he fell out. I do pray for the family and friends and more so for him for leaving such a wonderful caring family behind.

RIP, SGT James Hackemer. And thank you for your service sir. It is wonderful that you were able to return to the states-- and tho we mourn your passing we can think of the fact that your passing came as a result of doing something you WANTED to do.

I salute all our warriors past and present.

My condolences as well.

It's my opinion that the people stationed at any ride need to be trained to be aware of the limitations caused by amputations- and screen accordingly.

I would hope that the lawsuit your family is engaged in will set precedents preventing further deaths of this nature.

No one likes to be restricted from activities- and many people will unknowingly attempt to do things they simply can't do any more.

Usually, this is no big deal- in fact, they may even discover a viable work-around.

But some experiments are quite literally do or die- and the person exploring their limitations may not have enough information to even be aware of that.

Under those circumstances, the operator must assume some responsibility for the consequences.

The operator will always know far more about the potential for disaster than a person simply trying to overcome the limitations of their injuries- because that liability must be thoroughly evaluated to obtain insurance.

The law suit mentioned in the article had nothing to do with the main story. That suit was filed by the parents of the 11-year old girl who fell out of a ferris wheel somewhere else a couple of months ago.

Sister -- thanks to your family, please, for sharing your brother in his service to our country. Prayers will accompany your family for a long time to come. There is a young cerebral palsy man in our church who accompanied the group to Six Flags and asked for permission to ride the roller coaster. He met the height requirement and was assisted in. He knows the joy your brother did in accomplishing a dream. All any of us have is this moment. Relish it with those we love.

He had no business on that ride, regardless of his valor.

Not being cruel or unfeeling, but it was a stupid thing to do.

Thank you for your fine example of living life to the full extent of one's ability--being both sensible and fearless. It is great to have someone with real experience who can clue others in. There's nothing like personal experience to shed light on a situation.

It was God's will. Probably had somwthing to do with gays in the military.

www.helpourmilitaryheroes.org/gallery/hackemer

He should never have been on that ride.

And you have no idea how he lost his legs or what he thought was right, mike.

This could have easily been a suicide or an effort to get his family some crack money.

Probably not, but who knows these days.

I do know how he lost his legs. There is a full write up of the attack as well as the aftermath. The Soldier left his legs in the wrekage of his vehicle as he was pulled free. And if he signed up for the Military, he did what he thought was right. He made a decision based on what he thgought was wrong???