A heart-stopping moment for one family turned a day of fun at Disney World into a nightmare when their son went into cardiac arrest during a rollercoaster ride. What began as an exciting day at Epcot’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ride quickly became a life-or-death situation. Here’s a detailed account of what happened and how the quick actions of trained staff and bystanders saved a young boy’s life.
A Fun Day Takes a Sudden Turn
It was supposed to be a thrilling day for the Tagle family—Christine, her husband Ernesto Tagle Jr., and their son Ernesto III—as they visited Disney World’s Epcot on September 21. Like many families, they eagerly boarded the popular Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ride. But just 20 seconds into the ride, their world flipped upside down.
The Moment of Horror
As the rollercoaster gained momentum, Christine noticed something was terribly wrong with her son. Just moments into the ride, Ernesto III became unresponsive. In a social media post, the devastated mom recalled the horror of the moment: “He wasn’t breathing and started going into seizures.”
Frantic, Christine tried to revive her son, screaming for help. “I was hitting him, saying something’s wrong,” she told Fox 35 Orlando. In those terrifying seconds, Christine and her husband could only hope for a miracle.
Immediate Action from Disney Staff and Bystanders
Once the ride came to a stop, Christine and Ernesto rushed to get help. “When the ride was over, I pulled him out, screaming for help,” Christine explained. Staff quickly directed them to a hallway where Christine laid her son down and began performing CPR.
Moments later, Disney staff arrived with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), a device used to shock the heart back into rhythm. While Christine worked on CPR, her husband ran to find additional help, and fortunately, a nurse and an EMT happened to be nearby. Together, they continued CPR and kept Ernesto III stable until emergency medical services arrived.
Rushed to the Hospital: A Fight for Survival
Ernesto was rushed to the ER where doctors raced to stabilize him. After initial treatment, the boy was transported by helicopter to AdventHealth in Orlando, where medical staff conducted a series of tests to determine the cause of his sudden collapse.
The family faced a harrowing wait, uncertain if Ernesto had suffered brain or heart damage. “The unknown was the worst part,” Christine admitted in her post. But after exhaustive testing, doctors discovered that Ernesto had a genetic heart condition known as catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), a rare condition that can cause sudden and life-threatening arrhythmias, particularly during physical exertion or stress.
Understanding CPVT: The Silent Heart Condition
CPVT is a genetic cardiac condition that often strikes without warning in seemingly healthy children. It causes abnormal heart rhythms, known as arrhythmias, that can lead to palpitations, fainting, or even cardiac arrest. In Ernesto’s case, the condition triggered a cardiac event during the rollercoaster ride. CPVT can be triggered by physical exercise or intense emotional stress, making it particularly dangerous for active children.
Fortunately, Ernesto’s medical team was able to intervene quickly, and after thorough tests, they determined that he would need surgery to implant an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)—a device that can shock the heart if it goes into a dangerous rhythm again.
Surgery and Recovery: Ernesto’s Brave Fight
Following the diagnosis, Ernesto was transferred to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa for surgery. The procedure involved placing the EV-ICD device, which will help regulate Ernesto’s heart rhythm and prevent future cardiac events. The family was relieved to hear that their son had come through the surgery with no signs of brain or heart damage.
Soon after, Ernesto was smiling again—this time from his hospital bed. His mom shared a photo of the brave boy, beaming despite the traumatic experience, and even asking to ride his motorcycle once he got home. “I’m happy to say that Ernesto is doing well after surgery with no signs of brain or heart damage,” the parents shared in a heartfelt update.
A Grateful Family and a Message to Others
The Tagle family knows just how fortunate they are to have walked away from this ordeal with their son still full of life and energy. “We feel so lucky that the incident didn’t rob us of his smile and energy,” Christine shared with Fox 35 Orlando. She also expressed deep gratitude to the Disney staff and bystanders who rushed to help her son.
In their message to others, the family urged people to get CPR certified or take a refresher course. “You never know when you’ll need it,” Christine said, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for emergencies.
Disney’s Response
As of now, Disney has not yet issued a public statement regarding the incident. However, the actions of their staff—equipped with the right training and medical tools—undoubtedly played a critical role in saving young Ernesto’s life. The incident highlights the importance of swift response and emergency preparedness in places like amusement parks, where thousands of people visit every day.
Conclusion: A Close Call and a Reminder
The Tagle family’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of being prepared. Whether it’s knowing how to perform CPR or recognizing the signs of hidden health conditions, moments like this underscore just how critical quick action can be in saving lives.
Thanks to the rapid response of Disney staff, bystanders, and medical professionals, Ernesto III is back home, recovering from surgery, and eager to get back to his adventures. His story also serves as a reminder to parents about the importance of being aware of potential health risks and ensuring that help is always within reach.
