Woman hit by metal from roller coaster, Cedar Fair reach settlement

SANDUSKY, Ohio (WTVG) - The family of a Michigan woman who suffered a traumatic brain injury after being hit by a piece of metal from a Cedar Point roller coaster has reached a settlement with Cedar Fair.

The family of Rachel Hawes filed a lawsuit against the company in July 2023. The lawsuit alleged that Hawes became permanently disabled due to the incident. It also alleges that she racked up more than $2 million in medical bills after being struck by a piece of metal from the Top Thrill Dragster.

Now, the two sides have reached a settlement but no details of the settlement have been announced.

The two sides did release the following joint statement: “The Hawes family and Cedar Fair, L.P. have mutually agreed to resolve a legal claim arising from the injury Rachel Hawes sustained while standing in line for the Top Thrill Dragster on August 15, 2021. Rachel suffered a life-changing injury but has been blessed with a tremendous support network that, along with her resilience, has helped on her journey towards recovery. Rachel truly appreciates all the public’s support and prayers and Cedar Fair’s cooperation and open communication with her family and their counsel. While terms of the settlement are confidential, the parties were able to come to a fair and equitable agreement that satisfies both parties.”

For more information about the incident, see below.

• Cedar Point’s Top Thrill Dragster roller coaster to be retired
• Report: Cedar Point broke no laws in Top Thrill Dragster accident
• Woman in ICU with brain injury after metal from Top Thrill Dragster breaks off
• Cedar Point announces temporary closure of Top Thrill Dragster after injury
• ‘We all saw it fly off’: Video shows chaotic moments after woman hurt at Cedar Point
• Woman hit by metal object from roller coaster at Cedar Point

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