Mike Toth, Prolific Disney Renaissance Animator, Passes Away

Mike Toth, a Disney Renaissance Animator, with gray hair and a mustache, looks directly at the camera. He is wearing a dark jacket over a t-shirt.

Michael (Mike) Toth, an iconic Disney Renaissance animator who worked on projects including “Mulan,” “Hercules,” “Tarzan,” and more, has passed away. Mike Toth Image courtesy of Christine Vegara. Mike Toth passed away on December 29, 2024. The news was shared today in a post on the Cartoon Research Facebook page by his daughter Christine Vegara. … Read more

Disney Fined $36K for Crew Member Death on Marvel’s ‘Wonder Man’ Set

A man in a suit and a woman in a wedding dress with a veil smile for a close-up photo. The man has a serious expression, almost like D'Wonder Man, while the woman is happily smiling.

Disney has been fined $36,000 for a crew member’s fatal fall on the set of the upcoming Marvel series “Wonder Man.” J.C. “Spike” Osorio was a lighting technician who died on February 6 after falling through a catwalk at Stage 3 of the Radford Studio Center in Studio City. A California Division of Occupational Safety … Read more

Victim Identified in Lethal Fall at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Bay Lake Tower at dusk overlooking lake

The identity of a man who fell to his death the morning of July 26 at Walt Disney World has been confirmed, along with more details and confirmation of the incident itself. Tragedy at the Contemporary Shortly after 5:33 a.m., deputies responded to Disney’s Contemporary Resort for a call about an unresponsive man found on … Read more

Guest Reportedly Falls to Their Death From Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Several reports corroborate a story of a guest falling to their death at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort early Wednesday morning, July 26, 2023. Guest Dies After Falling at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Reports out of Walt Disney World Wednesday morning detail a tragic scene where a guest fell to their death. Guests on … Read more

Man Collapses and Later Dies After Riding Spaceship Earth at EPCOT

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It was the first day of the Chancellor family vacation as they traveled from Mississippi to Disney World, reaching EPCOT by early afternoon during the Memorial Day holiday weekend. The family rode just one attraction before tragedy struck, according to documents released this week from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Johnny Chancellor, 58, collapsed in … Read more

UPDATE: Cause of Death Released for EPCOT Guest

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The guest who passed away after experiencing a medical emergency at EPCOT this weekend died of natural causes stemming from heart problems, according to the medical examiner’s office. The guest was 66-year-old New York tourist Robert Ostrem. He experienced medical issues near Spaceship Earth Saturday night and was later pronounced dead at AdventHealth Celebration Hospital. … Read more

Guest Dies After Medical Issue at EPCOT

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A guest has died due to a medical issue reported at EPCOT Saturday night. According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, first-responders responded to a medical call near Spaceship Earth at about 8:30 PM. The guest was taken to AdventHealth Celebration Hospital, where they were later pronounced dead. No foul play is suspected. The guest’s … Read more

Disneyland Resort Cast Member Passes Away Following Battle with COVID-19; Coworker Organizes GoFundMe Campaign to Assist Family

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A Disneyland Resort Cast Member has tragically passed away from COVID-19, but he is far from forgotten. Michael worked in the resort’s entertainment division, which includes parades and stage shows. A coworker, Amber Campos, has organized a GoFundMe campaign to help assist the family at this difficult time, writing: Michael was loved by so many. … Read more

Nikita Pearl Waligwa, Gloria in Disney’s “Queen of Katwe,” Dead at 15

Ugandan actress Nikita Pearl Waligwa, who appeared in the 2016 Disney film “Queen of Katwe,” has passed away at 15, according to the BBC. Waligwa played Gloria, a friend of the film’s protagonist, Phiona Mutesi, who explains the rules of chess to her. Based on a true story, “Queen of Katwe” is the story of … Read more

Runner Dies During Disney 5K at Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend

A runner has tragically died during yesterday’s Disney Fall Feast 5K, part of Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, according to WESH. A spokesperson for Disney issued the following statement: “We are deeply saddened by this heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts and sympathies remain with the runner’s family and loved ones throughout this difficult … Read more

UPDATE: Victim Identified in Fantasia Gardens Car Fire, Apparent Suicide

On August 18th, Reedy Creek Fire Department responded to a car fire at the Fantasia Gardens parking lot. Through dental records officials were able to determine that Brian Christ, a Walt Disney World cast member, was inside. Officials have ruled out foul play and are speculating that this was a suicide. Brian Christ, 49, had … Read more