UK water ride, scene of a fatal fall in 2004, is demolished after two decades of controversy. Remembering Hayley Williams.
It used to be called Hydro. A girl, Hayley Williams, died there in 2004. She fell about 100 feet from the ride. Hayley was only 16 years old. The park got fined £250,000 because of her death.
Hayley’s parents wanted better safety at parks. So, they campaigned for it across the UK. People saw the accident in April 2004. A judge said the park had serious safety issues.
These issues could hurt many people. The parents want stricter rules for theme parks. Hayley had ridden Hydro before. Her mom thought the rides were safe.
The ride cost a lot to build. Her mom said Hayley would have expected safety. She never thought her daughter would die. After Hayley’s death, the ride added new safety things. They put in over-the-shoulder restraints.
The park said Drenched is done after 20 years. They will share park news for 2025 later. A company from Spain bought Oakwood. They changed the ride’s name to Drenched in 2011.
Some theme park fans are sad about the ride closing. One person said the park doesn’t invest enough. Hayley’s parents wanted the ride torn down. They wanted better safety on rides after the tragedy.