SFKK Update?

Question

For those who were wondering, an update has been issued regarding the yourng girl who was injured in an accident on the Tower of Power ride at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom.

Kaitlyn Lassiter, age 13, was listed in stable condition at a Nashville, TN hospital following the accident that resulted in the traumatic amputation of both her feet when a cable snapped on the Tower of Power ride. The family of Kaitlyn has declined to say whether her feet were successfully reattached. A hospital spokeperson declined further comment, again citing patient confidentiality. The family has instructed the hospital not to comment further on the incident.

The family stated that no one from the park has contacted them since the accident regarding the girl's condition. However, a spokesperson from the Six Flags Corporation in New York stated that two officials accompanied the family to the hospital immediately following the accident and stayed until they were asked by family to leave.

"We are deeply saddened by this incident and of course have genuine concern for the well-being of the entire family. We stand ready to be of any assistance we possibly can," said Kentucky Kingdom spokeswoman Carolyn McClean.

Six Flags has shut down rides of a similar nature at parks across the country. Cedar Fair and Paramount, two other amusement park companies, have also closed rides of that nature pending a full investigation as to their safety. Park officials have stated that none of these rides will reopen until the public can be assured that they are safe. An investigation into the accident involving the girl will continue and Six Flags has stated that the ride involved had passed prior safety inspections.

"The parents of Kaitlyn Lasitter would like to acknowledge everyone across the country that have been supporting their daughter with many positive thoughts and prayers over the last six days," according to the statement, which was issued through Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Vandy is an excellent hospital with outstanding pediatric services. It is also home to the Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute. Kaitlyn would have required the services of a vascular surgeon. It's no surprise to me that she is at Vandy. It's where she needs to be.

Answer 1

I'm not surprised Six Flags officials have stayed away. It says later that they stayed after the accident until the family asked them to leave so it sounds like Six Flags doesn't want to contact them again until they are invited to. I wouldn't either.

She will most likely end up with a starring role in their investigation though, if she hasn't already.

She's in a hospital in Tennessee....that's interesting.

Thanks for posting this.

EDIT: I figured she was at a "specialty" hospital when I pointed out she was a hospital in Tennessee, and not a local Louisville hospital. I alluded to it under the assumption that she was there so an attempt for a foot reattachment was/had been made.

Answer 2

It's actually not so interesting she is in a TN hospital. Six Flags, though in Louisville, is about a 2, 2-1/2 hour drive from Nashville, and obviously much faster by helicopter. She was likely taken here because it is known as the south's top hospital, and also has a nationally renowned childrens division, where she will likely spend her recovery time.