Disney Guests Speak Out After Witnessing Tragic Death at Resort Hotel

Guests at Walt Disney World’s Contemporary Resort were left shocked and heartbroken after witnessing a tragic incident that unfolded in front of them last month.

According to authorities, 31-year-old Summer Equitz, a devoted Disney fan, died on October 14 after jumping from a 12th-floor balcony at the resort. She had reportedly traveled to Florida alone, without her family, before the tragedy occurred.

Witnesses described hearing a “huge bang” just moments before realizing what had happened. A married couple staying at the hotel said they were standing on the fourth-floor observation deck when they heard the noise and turned to see a woman lying on the ground only about 30 feet away.

“They were standing on the balcony outside by the chairs looking out at the view when they heard a loud noise and turned to see a female laying on the ground … an estimated 10 yards away,” read the incident report from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

One of the witnesses said they moved closer to check if the woman was breathing but quickly realized she wasn’t. Another witness recalled catching a glimpse of movement “out of the corner of her eye” before hearing the loud impact.

A hotel employee told investigators that he and a co-worker were on the 15th-floor observation deck at the time and saw the incident occur from above. When he later went down to the 12th floor, he discovered a blue tote bag resting against the steel railing where Equitz had been.

Equitz, who often shared her love for all things Disney on social media, was well-known among friends for her enthusiasm for the parks. Her death has sparked an outpouring of grief from those who knew her and from members of the Disney fan community online.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support 24/7.