Tragedy at Bedford County Fair 40 years ago sparked changes in ride safety

BEDFORD – As many are still shocked by the tragedy at the Ohio State Fair this week, some locals are remembering the death of a young girl at the Bedford County Fair 40 years ago.

In 1977, 14-year-old Amy Gilbert was at the fair, on a ride called the Zipper.

Gilbert’s obituary said the ride was coming down from its top height, and tilting forward when the door flew open.

Gilbert and another girl, Kelly Barron, fell about 20 feet. Kelly survived, but Amy hit her head first and died.

The Amusement Ride Inspection Act came in the 1980s following Amy’s death. It requires every fair ride to be registered with the state, and each ride undergoes an extensive inspection before a fair starts.

Bedford County Fair President James Edwards says the rides now also have daily inspections, even in the middle of the fair, to make sure everything works properly.

ncG1vNJzZmivmpawtcKNnKamZ56axLR7y6iamqRfqb%2Bis8SdsGaZpGKvprDFqKmdZZOkwq%2FA2GadmqGiYoFxediemKurXZa0sHnSqZiro5WZeqS0wKeenqtdnrtuvsidnGarkZuytcU%3D