Walt Disney World Resort is a place where magic, joy, and memories are made every day. Whether you’re planning to explore the attractions, enjoy themed dining, or spend time with beloved Disney characters, it’s usually a trip filled with excitement. But sometimes, unexpected and frightening events can occur, turning an otherwise magical experience into a nightmare.
Such was the case for one family who visited Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground over Thanksgiving weekend. Instead of making memories filled with laughter and joy, they found themselves fighting for their health and safety after a terrifying hit-and-run incident that left them hospitalized.
According to a heart-wrenching Facebook post shared by the victim, Zin Santos, the incident occurred around midnight on November 28, as he and his family were using a golf cart to travel around the resort.
The family was familiar with the tradition of driving around Fort Wilderness, especially during the holiday season, when guests decorate their campsites for Halloween and Christmas. But what started as a casual drive soon turned into a life-altering event.
Santos alleges that a dark-colored vehicle, possibly a Hyundai Genesis or Aston Martin, intentionally collided with his golf cart. The driver, according to Santos, deliberately turned off their headlights and accelerated, striking the golf cart with high beams blazing.
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The impact was severe, throwing the family members from the cart and causing significant injuries.
“We were pinned under the golf cart,” Santos wrote in his emotional post. “One family member is scheduled for surgery to repair a fractured leg, while another is in the ICU under observation for a brain bleed. My spouse and I are also severely beaten up from the incident.”
While the family tried to process what had just happened, the driver of the vehicle fled the scene, leaving the family in a state of shock and disbelief. Santos has since asked for the public’s help in identifying the vehicle and the person responsible, urging anyone with information to contact the authorities immediately.
The accident has left the family shaken, and they are now focused on healing, both physically and emotionally. Santos also thanked the good Samaritans who stopped to help during the chaotic aftermath of the crash, including one individual who gave him a blanket to comfort him while waiting for medical assistance.
The police are actively investigating the incident, and Santos is hopeful that the driver will be brought to justice. He continues to urge anyone with information about the vehicle’s make and model, or the identity of the driver, to come forward and assist in the investigation.
Golf Cart Accidents: A Growing Concern at Walt Disney World
While incidents like these are rare, they are not unheard of at Walt Disney World Resort. In fact, golf cart accidents have been the subject of increasing attention in recent years. At Fort Wilderness, where golf carts are commonly used to travel between campsites, accidents can happen, and this recent incident serves as a reminder of how dangerous these vehicles can be when mishandled or used irresponsibly.
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort is known for its expansive grounds and scenic views, but it also has a high volume of guests traveling in golf carts, especially during the holiday season. This is the time when families take to their carts to view the stunning holiday displays at the resort, but it’s also when traffic increases, creating more opportunities for accidents.
In the past, Disney has faced criticism and legal action due to various incidents involving golf carts, ranging from minor collisions to more serious injuries. While the majority of these accidents are accidents, the alarming nature of the hit-and-run at Fort Wilderness brings a new level of concern for both safety and security.
A Call for Justice and Healing
While the investigation continues, the family is left to deal with the physical and emotional trauma of the incident. A trip to Walt Disney World is meant to be filled with fun, magic, and memories, not danger and devastation. The Santos family, who has experienced unimaginable pain, is now asking for help in bringing the responsible individual to justice.
If you have any information related to this case, please contact the Orange County Police Department or the Orlando Police Department. The community’s help is essential in ensuring that those responsible for the hit-and-run are held accountable.
As we send our thoughts and prayers to the Santos family, we hope for their swift recovery and that this incident serves as a reminder to all Disney World visitors to be vigilant and aware, both for their own safety and the safety of others.
If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact Disney or the local Orlando authorities. Let’s all help make sure that Disney World remains the safe and magical place it was always meant to be.
