A settlement has been reached in the wrongful death lawsuit filed against Darien Lake Theme Park by the family of a double amputee Iraq veteran who was killed when he fell out of a roller coaster. The Buffalo News reports that lawyers for Darien Lake Theme Park and Resort and James Hackemer's family say a seven-figure settlement has been reached. The exact amount is not being released. The lawyers say Hackemer's two young daughters will be the primary beneficiaries.
The 29-year-old Army sergeant lost both legs to a roadside bomb. In July 2011, Hackemer was at Darien Lake with his family when he fell out of a car on the Ride of Steel coaster, landing on the ground about 150 feet below.
State officials determined operator error was to blame for the accident.