'Fighting for her life.' Cedar Point Top Thrill Dragster victim was struck by bracket size of a 'man's hand'

Craig Webb | Akron Beacon Journal
Published 2:43 p.m. ET Aug. 23, 2021 | Updated 6:16 p.m. ET Aug. 23, 2021

(Editor's note: A version of this story briefly stated the incorrect size of the object in this incident.)

State investigations say the piece of metal that struck a Cedar Point guest waiting in line for the park's Top Thrill Dragster was about the size of "a man's hand."

The accident has left a 44-year-old Michigan woman identified as Rachel Hawes in intensive care with a brain injury, according to a family statement released to a Cleveland TV station.

“We are devastated by last weekend’s accident at Cedar Point," the statement said. "We want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this time. Rachel is fighting for her life, and we would ask for privacy in this difficult time."

The news came eight days after the horrifying incident at the Sandusky amusement park that sent people in line scrambling for safety and Hawes seriously injured on Aug. 15.

{snip}