Orlando, FL (October 22, 2025) — A tragic death occurred at Walt Disney World on Tuesday morning when a man in his 60s was found unresponsive at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. This marks the second fatality at the popular Orlando resort in just one week and the third in less than two weeks. According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO), the man “experienced a medical episode” before being transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Authorities have confirmed that no foul play is suspected.
What Happened: Medical Emergency Leads to Death
The incident unfolded at approximately 7:32 a.m. on Tuesday, October 22, 2025, near the Cottontail Curl loop at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. Known for its charming, family-friendly atmosphere, the resort offers guests a variety of camping options, including tent sites and RV rentals close to the Magic Kingdom.
After receiving the initial call about a “person down,” emergency responders arrived at the scene. The man, who has not yet been identified, was transported to a local hospital for treatment, where he was later pronounced dead. OCSO authorities did not immediately release the victim’s identity or further details regarding the medical episode, but they emphasized that the death appears to have resulted from natural causes or a sudden health issue, and there is no indication of criminal involvement.
Previous Death at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
This latest tragedy comes just one week after the death of 31-year-old Summer Equitz, who reportedly died by apparent suicide at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, located near the Magic Kingdom. Equitz’s death on October 15 prompted an outpouring of sympathy and concern from the Disney community, raising important discussions about mental health awareness at large-scale tourist destinations.
Public Reactions and Ongoing Investigation
The recent back-to-back fatalities have cast a somber tone over the typically joyful and family-oriented atmosphere of Disney World, often touted as “the happiest place on earth.” The combination of these tragedies has left many Disney visitors and the local community in shock, and it has led to conversations about visitor health and emergency response preparedness within such a vast entertainment complex.
While Disney World is a popular and bustling destination that hosts millions of visitors each year, tragic events like these serve as stark reminders of the unpredictable nature of life and health emergencies. The OCSO has not provided further comments on the investigations into either death, but both incidents have raised questions about mental wellness and guest safety during high-traffic periods.
Disney World’s Response and What’s Next
As investigations continue into both the death at Fort Wilderness and the incident at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, both Disney officials and the OCSO have called for privacy for the families involved during this difficult time. The Fort Wilderness Resort continues to operate normally, and Disney has not yet issued additional statements regarding the incidents.
In the wake of these events, the spotlight has turned to the need for heightened awareness around mental health resources for visitors and better emergency response protocols to ensure swift action in times of crisis.
What Happens Next: Focus on Guest Health and Safety
While Disney World remains a beloved vacation spot for millions, these recent deaths have prompted important conversations about safety measures for both physical and mental health. As the investigations continue, the community of Disney visitors, employees, and health professionals will likely keep a close eye on the outcomes and what steps will be taken to improve the resort’s preparedness for health-related incidents moving forward.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
