Disneyland employee killed on job by ‘reckless’ golf cart driver: friends
A Disneyland employee died on the job when she was thrown off a faulty golf cart being driven “recklessly” through the backstage area of the Southern California theme park, friends and authorities said Saturday.
Bonnye Mavis Lear — an administrator at the park’s exclusive Club 33 — suffered grave injuries when she struck her head around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Anaheim police Sgt. Jon McClintock said.
She was rushed to the hospital and succumbed to her injuries two days later on Friday.
Police had few details surrounding the accident, which they referred to as a traffic collision, but Lear’s colleagues said she had been thrown off the cart when the driver “recklessly” struck a bump in the road.
Lear was riding in the rear-facing seat of the brand new cart as it rode 20 mph behind Critter County, a temporarily closed section of the park, when the car lurched, Disney California Adventure attractions cast member Rae Delgado wrote on Facebook.
“She went to grab the handrail, it gave way and sent her out of the vehicle. We do not know if the passengers were aware that she had fallen out,” Delgado wrote.
Lear suffered severe head trauma and a fractured skull that could not be quelled in surgery, Delgado added.
The Disneyland employee also accused the Anaheim resort managers of telling cast members to stay mum about the circumstances of Lear’s death.
“It didn’t have to end this way. All of this mess could’ve been avoided if the driver of the golf cart wasn’t driving recklessly,” she continued.
“The golf cart from the entertainment department was brand new. How the hell could it fall apart?! It’s just so unfair to us & the family.”
Disneyland did not immediately respond to The Post’s questions surrounding the various allegations.
Lear had been a Disneyland employee for 24 years, most recently in membership support services at Club 33.
The members-only club is comprised of several private dining clubs located within the various Disney Parks and provides an opportunity for high-flying guests to escape the overwhelming crowds.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of Bonnye and offer our sincere condolences to everyone who cared for her,” Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock said in a statement.
“At this time, we are focused on supporting her family and our cast members through this tragic event and making sure they have the resources they need.”
Anaheim police are investigating Lear’s death.
