A man has passed away after suffering severe head trauma while performing maintenance on the “Gravitron” carnival ride Thursday at the site of the Smith County Fair. According to the James Gang Company, Oval Mudd of Smith County was servicing the ride when the accident occurred.
Preliminary reports indicate that the “Gravitron” ride was not being operated or powered by electricity when the accident occurred. Mr. Mudd was struck in the head while performing regular maintenance and safety checks while underneath the ride.
The ride remained closed during the fair’s carnival on Thursday night as a precaution, and members of the state’s Elevator & Amusement Device Safety Board and TOSHA were called in to investigate the incident.
The following is a press release that was released yesterday:
The James Gang Amusement Company LLC of Andalusia, AL regretfully reports that there was an unfortunate accident that occurred at 9:30 am, July 6, 2023 at the Smith County Fairgrounds involving an employee, that was servicing the “Gravitron” Carnival Ride during routine weekly maintenance. The ride was not in operation at the time and poses no danger to the general public.
The James Family and the James Gang Amusement Co. would like to say that their thoughts and prayers are with the family of the newly hired employee. We are not releasing the name of the employee until his next of kin can be notified.
Rodney James, V. – James Gang Amusements LLC”
