A Florida family’s visit to Walt Disney World took a terrifying turn when their five-year-old son’s heart stopped during a ride on one of the park’s roller coasters. The young boy, Ernesto Tagle, began seizing and stopped breathing about 20 seconds into the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ride, an enclosed roller coaster at Epcot. His parents, who were with him on the ride, were left in a state of panic as their son lost consciousness.
Christine Tagle, Ernesto’s mother, recounted the harrowing experience that took place on September 21. She described how she was screaming and trying to get her son’s attention, realizing something was terribly wrong. The Tagle family, who are regular visitors to the park, had started the day like any other, looking forward to enjoying one of their favorite rides.
Christine was seated a row behind Ernesto when he passed out. She immediately began searching for his pulse during the ride. Once the roller coaster, which reaches speeds of up to 60 mph, came to a stop, she started performing CPR on her son. A passing couple, who happened to be a nurse and an EMT, along with a Disney employee, quickly came to their aid. They used an automated external defibrillator provided by the park to restart Ernesto’s heart before he was airlifted to a hospital.
Ernesto was taken to three different hospitals and underwent numerous tests before he was diagnosed with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). This rare heart condition can become life-threatening during periods of extreme excitement or activity, according to Ernesto’s father, who shares the same name.
The family shared images of Ernesto in the hospital, unconscious and surrounded by medical equipment, before he underwent surgery. Doctors implanted a device in his chest to treat life-threatening heart arrhythmias and sudden cardiac arrest. His father reported that Ernesto is now recovering with no signs of brain or heart damage.
Ernesto’s father expressed relief and gratitude, referring to his son as a “warrior”. He shared that Ernesto is now back home, eager to ride his motorcycle, and appears to be in good health. The family expressed their gratitude to those who acted swiftly to save their son’s life. Christine Tagle said, “We just feel so lucky this didn’t rob us of his smile and energy.”