Park officials said Thomas Welch of Palm Harbor was responsive and talking after riding the Gwazi roller coaster Monday morning, but quickly lost consciousness. He apparently told family members he felt sick when he got off the ride.

Paramedics attempted CPR and used a defibrillator, but Welch was pronounced dead two hours later at University Community
Hospital.

The Hillsborough County medical examiner's office said they plan to have additional details today.

The ride was closed briefly after the incident to make sure it was functioning properly.

A telephone call placed to the Florida Fair Rides Inspection Bureau wasn't answered.

Gwazi reaches 50 miles per hour at its highest speed and drops from a 90-foot lift, but does not go upside down.

Gwazi has written and audio warnings along the way cautioning guests from boarding the ride if they have high blood pressure, heart problems or other illnesses.

(c) Bay News / Associated Press, 26 Juli 2006

Now I will raise the safety bar and a ghost will follow you home