Teenager plunges to her death from Mexico amusement park ride as investigation launched

Teenager plunges to her death from Mexico amusement park ride as investigation launched Gabriela Rodriguez Tezoco, 18, fell from a ride known as Fireball, also referred to as the Pendulum, in the amusement area of the fairground in Los Cabos, Mexico An 18-year-old has saldy died after she fell out of an amusement park ride in Los Cabos, Mexico. The incident happened shortly after 8pm on Tuesday October 20 during the Traditional Festivals in Cabo San Lucas, in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Gabriela Rodriguez Tezoco, 18, fell from a ride known as Fireball, also referred to as the Pendulum, in the amusement area of the fairground. The ride was immediately suspended following the accident, and authorities launched an investigation to establish how Gabriela fell and whether any safety failures were involved. The State Attorney General’s Office is carrying out the investigation, including technical examinations of the ride and the circumstances surrounding the fall. No official findings have been released so far. Four days before Gabriela’s death, on 16 October, municipal Civil Protection officials had reported carrying out checks at the fairground, including its amusement rides. Francisco Cota Marquez, who was then head of municipal Civil Protection, had said the inspections found that “everything was in order” and that the festivities would take place with “full safety for families”, according to local reports. The Los Cabos council announced on 21 October that Diego Camacho Hale would take over as acting head of the municipal Civil Protection and Risk Management department while the investigation continued. The council said the change was intended to ensure the investigation could proceed transparently and without obstruction, giving investigators access to the department’s records. It did not announce any sanction against Cota or attribute responsibility for the accident to him. Gabriela’s former school, which identified her as a member of its 2023–2026 graduating class, paid tribute to the teenager. The school said: “Today we say goodbye with deep sadness to a young woman who will always form part of the history and memories of our school community." It added that Gabriela would be remembered for her smile, kindness and the warmth she brought to those who knew her. The statement continued: “There are people who, even when they leave us, leave indelible marks on our hearts, and you will always be one of them." The school also extended its condolences to her family, friends and loved ones. Mayor Christian Agúndez Gómez issued a statement sharing his condolences: “These festivities remind us of who we are, where we come from, and what we are capable of when we are united. Today, with the same spirit with which we unite to celebrate, we must unite to support the family of Gabriela. It could have been any of us. They are not alone." A statement from the the local municipal government of Los Cabos, Mexico read: "It is with deep sorrow that we announce that the young woman who was injured in the incident that occurred in the mechanical attractions area of the Cabo San Lucas Traditional Festivals, and who was immediately transferred for medical attention, lost her life despite the efforts of the health personnel. "We join with respect and solidarity with the grief of Gabriela's family, friends, and loved ones. "The General Prosecutor's Office of the State of Baja California Sur will be the body responsible for determining the causes of the incident and the responsibilities under the law. The Municipality of Los Cabos will fully cooperate and provide all necessary support to the family. "We urge the public to behave with respect and to only get information through official channels." An investigation into the incident is ongoing, led by the General Prosecutor’s Office of the State of Baja California Sur. “The Municipality of Los Cabos will fully cooperate and provide all necessary support to the family,” according to a translation of the XV Ayuntamiento de Los Cabos’s announcement. The investigation into the fatal accident is continuing. [Image text:] cesaCOBACH10T0