Boy hurt in 2000 Disneyland accident dies [UPDATED]

Brandon Zucker, a boy who was trapped under the Roger Rabbit Car Toon Spin ride at Disneyland in a 2000 accident, died early this morning. He was 13.

Zucker, who was 4 at the time of the September 2000 accident, died at Children’s Hospital of Orange County, with his mother at his bedside.

The accident received widespread coverage when Brandon tumbled from the spinning “taxicab” and was trapped underneath the following car. The vehicle rolled over him, folding his 45-pound body in half. He was stuck for 10 minutes before being freed.

Brandon suffered severe brain damage and never recovered from his injuries. The accident led to the first major investigation under a law that regulates amusement parks.

The state Department of Occupational Safety and Health found that Disneyland employees had improperly placed Brandon, his mother and brother into the ride and failed to lower the lap bar. It also ordered significant safety changes to the ride, including a sensor-equipped guard around the bottom of each car.

Updated, 12:56 p.m: Brandon’s father called 911 about 9:30 a.m. Sunday after finding him nonresponsive at their home in Anaheim, officials said. He was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital and later transferred to Children’s Hospital in Orange, where he died at 1:13 a.m. today, said Jim Amormino, a spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

-- Kimi Yoshino

Read The Times' obituary of Brandon Zucker.

Earlier coverage of Brandon Zucker can be found here and here.

Photo: Brandon Zucker 10 months after the accident. Credit: Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Staycie]

My heartfelt condolences to the family. May they find comfort in the hope expressed at John 5:28 & 29. All the best in the days ahead.

[SEABRIDGE BANDIT]

SO SAD

[SEABRIDGE BANDIT]

que tristesa

[nfwilkinson]

I lost my son to a viral illness when he was fourteen and I can attest to the fact that the pain never goes away but it does soften down some,I wish people would stop using the term "closure", it doesn't exist. I pray for any family losing a child and hope that they can go onwith their lives, with the memory of their loss only in their hearts.

[Bad Planning]

Micky Mouse still lives on ..this kid doesn't

[Tom]

Tha happiest place on earth, huh?

[Mark from the OC]

Staycie, I doubt they will find comfort in John's bible verses, seeing as how being named Zucker, they are most likely Jewish.

[Diane]

God bless you dear boy and family. You did not deserve this. I pray that God brings you peace.

[David Zucker]

My condolences to the zucker family. my g-d watch over Brandon.

[Chris]

My heart goes out to the family and may they find comfort with family and friends.

[Mandy Farquhar]

At times like this it is sometimes hard to find the words to say, know my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time with the deepest sympathy.

I was blessed to have met Brandon and have him in my life for a short time.

I share in your grief and send my love.

[Dash]

I'm so sorry to hear this news. My condolences to the family.

[patrick]

I've got a small boy of my own and wish to express my deepest sympathies to Brandon's family at this difficult time. So much for the happiest place on earth. I hope Disneyland contributed to Brandon's health and corresponding damages. May that sweet looking kid rest in peace!

[Rebel Dean]

May god be with you Brandon,so sad to lose someone so young.
So sad, So sad.
RIP Brandon...............

[Rebel Dean]

May god be with you Brandon,so sad to lose someone so young.
So sad, So sad.
RIP Brandon...............