Shylah Rodden: Fundraiser for woman seriously injured in roller coaster accident struggles to hit target
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: A fundraiser to help roller coaster accident victim Shylah Rodden has received no funds to aid her in her recovery. As per reports, the GoFundMe created by one of Rodden's closest friends on September 28, has only received $8,923 so far of its $20,000 goal.
According to Daily Mail Australia, this is another blow for the 26-year-old, who sustained severe head injuries in the accident on September 25. On Tuesday, October 4, a spokeswoman for the Royal Melbourne Hospital confirmed that Shylah’s condition was serious rather than critical.
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Woman, 57, plunges 26 feet to death after slipping from rollercoaster in TRAGIC accident
However, her chances to lead a normal life are quite slim. The fundraiser, set up by Sylvia Dess, read, "Shylah was involved in a tragic incident at the Royal Melbourne Show on Sunday the 24/9. I would like to raise as much money as I can for Shylah’s 24 hour care, rehab, therapy, possible equipment as Shylah has suffered brain injury, changes that will need to be made around her house (shower & toilet.) Family & friends are devastated during this crucial time and thank everyone for all the kind wishes and donations. It has not went unnoticed."
On the day of the incident, Rodden was working in a friend’s booth at the Melbourne Royal Show. The pair decided to take a few rides to pass the time, during which she dropped her phone while on the roller coaster. Authorities believe she walked on the tracks of the high-speed ride to retrieve the device when one of the carriages struck her and she fell, injuring herself critically.
Rodden's father said, "I can’t talk to my daughter. She will be in a coma for quite some time,” he said, adding, "The injuries are terrible. Awful. She has brain damage. It’s the pelvis, her arms, legs, back, neck – there’s almost nothing that isn’t broken. I just don’t understand how the hell so much damage was done." He added, “Even the doctors have said they haven’t seen this much in ages.” There is very little known fo her condition at this time as her family has asked for privacy.
On Friday, October 7, Arnold Thomas & Becker practice manager Aki Munir said that Rodden had been seriously injured by the “defendant’s negligence”. While speaking to the Herald Sun, Munir said, “It (the action) concerns a transport accident and she sustained a number of significant injuries in that accident. The purpose of filing the subpoena is to preserve her rights should anything happen to her.” Munir also said that the victim's family can take legal action against the Melbourne Royal Show and the operators of the Rebel Coaster ride for negligence.
As per the cops, the roller coaster was traveling at 43 mph when it hit the woman.