A Delaware teen survived a 25-foot plunge from a Six Flags Amusement Park ride in upstate New York on Saturday, authorities said.
The terrified 14-year-old girl dangled from a stopped gondola ride, screaming as dozens of witnesses and park employees gathered to catch her, as seen in an eyewitness video.
Matthew Howard Sr. was one of those good Samaritans.
“I said, ‘It’s OK! It’s OK to let go, I’ll catch you honey,” Howard told The Associated Press.
When the unidentified teenager from Greenwood let go, she hit a tree branch on the way down and tumbled into the arms of those waiting below, including Howard and his 21-year-old daughter.
A video of her rescue showed several men carrying the teen away from the ride. She was taken to Albany Medical Center without any serious injuries, according to Warren County Sheriff’s Office.
Howard was treated for a minor back injury after the daring rescue.
Six Flags officials at the Queensbury park, about 55 miles north of Albany, said in a statement that the “Sky Ride” was in working order and there did not appear to be “any malfunction.”
It’s unclear what caused the girl to fall off the ride. She was in the two-person car with her kid brother who was also not identified.
Howard visited the siblings at the Albany Medical Center and said both children were in good spirits.
“I’m just glad we could be there to help,” said Howard’s daughter, Leeann Winchell. “We were in the right place at the right time.”
With News Wire Services
