ORLANDO, Fla. -- A costumed worker was killed after being run over and killed by a Walt Disney World float during an afternoon parade Wednesday.
Javier Cruz, 38, of Orlando was killed in a backstage area of the Magic Kingdom, near the Splash Mountain ride, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office. Cruz had worked at the park for eight years, officials said.
Disney spokeswoman Rena Langley said Cruz was toward the end of the parade and was about to enter the park when he was hit. Langley said she wasn't sure if any visitors witnessed what happened.
"To my knowledge there has never been an accident like this before," Langley said. "Clearly, it's a difficult and tragic day for all of us."
The Orange County Sheriff's Office was investigating, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration also was sending an investigator.
"The investigation shows it to be accidental," said Carlos Torres, a spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff's Office.
Donna-Lynne Dalton, recording secretary for Teamsters Local 385, which represents costumed workers at Disney World, said at this point it appears all rules were being followed during the parade.
"It's just a horrible, horrible tragedy," Dalton said.
Story with photos from News4Jax
Javier Cruz, 38, of Orlando was killed in a backstage area of the Magic Kingdom, near the Splash Mountain ride, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office. Cruz had worked at the park for eight years, officials said.
Disney spokeswoman Rena Langley said Cruz was toward the end of the parade and was about to enter the park when he was hit. Langley said she wasn't sure if any visitors witnessed what happened.
"To my knowledge there has never been an accident like this before," Langley said. "Clearly, it's a difficult and tragic day for all of us."
The Orange County Sheriff's Office was investigating, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration also was sending an investigator.
"The investigation shows it to be accidental," said Carlos Torres, a spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff's Office.
Donna-Lynne Dalton, recording secretary for Teamsters Local 385, which represents costumed workers at Disney World, said at this point it appears all rules were being followed during the parade.
"It's just a horrible, horrible tragedy," Dalton said.
Story with photos from News4Jax