TODAY'S TMJ4

Air Glory Ride Not Responsible for Death

By Jenn Rourke

MILWAUKEE - In a report released Friday, the Wisconsin Department of Commerce stated that the condition of a ride that killed a teenager was not the cause of her death. Elizabeth Mohl, 16, of Menasha, died after going on the Air Glory ride, "Giant Swing," at a Christian festival in Oshkosh on Saturday, July 14 around 5:45 p.m. Secretary of the Department of Commerce Mary Burke ordered all Giant Swing rides non-operational in the state of Wisconsin until the full investigation is completed. The ruling did not say whether rider or operator error could be a factor in Elizabeth's death. "Specifically, the harness, carabineer, safety rope, wire cables and metal ring that attach the ride to the rider were all in safe operating condition and did not contribute to the incident," the investigation report stated. The ride on which the death occurred was scheduled for a maintenance check two days after the accident. Elizabeth fell approximately 40 - 45 feet while suspended in the bungee-style ride. A friend harnessed next to her did not fall. Burke ordered the department to write up "emergency rules" to improve operator safety.