HOUSTON, April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A settlement has been reached between Ray Cammack Shows, Inc. and family members of Brian Greenhouse, who fell from the Hi-Miler rollercoaster during the 2011 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
"Our hearts go out to the Greenhouse family," said David S. Margulies, spokesperson for Ray Cammack Shows, Inc. the carnival ride operator. "Nothing can make up for the loss of a loved one. The settlement avoids having to revisit this tragedy for years in the legal system and provides financial assistance to the family."
The investigation, which followed this incident, by multiple independent investigating agencies, revealed no fault of the Hi-Miler ride, the carnival or the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. The Harris County Medical Examiner confirmed that 47-year-old Greenhouse was intoxicated with an alcohol blood level between .11 and .17 approximately twice the legal limit for driving.
The Houston Police Department ruled it an "unfortunate accident."
The Hi-Miler was tested by engineers from San Antonio based Biomechanical Research Corporation (BRC), who evaluate roller coaster rides for amusement parks such as Six Flags. The engineers found that a patron would have to voluntarily overcome the safety restraints and lift himself or herself up from the seat to fall out of the ride, contrary to posted ride rules.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission inspected the ride and took no action against the operator or the Hi-Miler ride.
The Hi-Miler was in good operating condition during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and safely carried more than 68,000 patrons in 2011 before this incident, and more than 400,000 in 2010. Millions of patrons have safely ridden the Hi-Miler since it first came on the RCS midway. Experts say that the most frequent cause of injuries on amusement rides is the failure of riders to follow posted safety instructions. Since the incident in 2011, Ray Cammack Shows has increased its efforts in training, rider education, and have provided additional pamphlets and signage concerning the safe enjoyment of amusement rides.
Mr. Greenhouse's death was the first such incident in Ray Cammack Show's 50-year history.
SOURCE Ray Cammack Shows, Inc.
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