**Two Suicides at Walt Disney World Resort Raise Concerns Among Mental Health Experts**
*Published Oct. 29, 2025, 3:45 p.m. ET*
Two tragic suicides have occurred at the Walt Disney World resort in Orlando within less than 10 days, prompting grief counselors and mental health professionals to express deep concern. Once known as a family-friendly theme park, some experts worry that the resort has, unfortunately, become a site associated with tragedy.
Late last week, 28-year-old Matthew Cohn died from multiple traumatic injuries after jumping from a balcony at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Just days earlier, 31-year-old Chicago superfan Summer Equitz also leapt to her death from the same hotel. The Contemporary Resort features a distinctive open-air A-shape frame, allowing the resort’s monorails to pass through.
### Suicide Tourism: A Disturbing Phenomenon
Ciara Bogdanovic, Licensed Psychotherapist and Founder/Owner of Sagebrush Psychotherapy, explained to RadarOnline.com that traveling to Disney to end one’s life is not an isolated occurrence.
> “Suicide tourism refers to the phenomenon when people travel to a distant location to die by suicide,” Bogdanovic said. “People may choose locations based on symbolism to their life, popularity, desire to be away from loved ones, or the desire to make a statement.”
### ‘Nostalgia and Comfort’ Draw Individuals to Disney
Therapist and coach John Sovec from Pasadena, California, agrees, adding that Disney’s fantasy atmosphere can represent a place of nostalgia and comfort for those struggling with depression and other mental health issues.
> “Often, they carry memories of better times and crave the warmth and familiarity of that nostalgia in a last search for happiness as their final experience before taking their life,” Sovec shared.
### Concern Over “Copycat” Suicide Attempts
Both experts warn about the danger of copycat suicide attempts at the resort.
> “The risk of copycat suicides is highest in the days and weeks following a publicized death by suicide, which may help explain why two deaths occurred at the same location in such close succession,” Bogdanovic noted. “For individuals already in crisis, hearing about a suicide in a specific place can shape both the method and the location they choose.”
Bogdanovic stressed the importance of preventative measures by Disney to safeguard its guests.
> “The best prevention steps that Disney can take are to remove means to death by suicide through design changes. Additionally, it is important to have an emergency protocol in place to address potential suicides in the moment. For example, staff should be trained to recognize signs of acute distress, respond with compassion, and quickly involve crisis intervention teams or emergency services.”
### Public Reaction and Sympathy Online
The Orange County Medical Examiner has officially ruled both deaths at the Contemporary Resort as suicides.
A video posted on TikTok showed emergency workers and officers gathered in the hotel’s courtyard, with police tape cordoning off the area. The person who posted the video wrote:
> “We woke up to a VERY large law enforcement outside our balcony this morning at Disney’s Bay Lake Tower. We were told it was a ‘medical emergency.’ Prayers to the family & those involved!”
Disney fans have taken to platforms such as Reddit to express their sympathy and address their concerns.
One user commented:
> “A sad reality is that Contemporary has been used multiple times in the past in this way. I believe they even have special coverings nearby to keep the scene out of view of guests as quickly as possible.”
Another shared:
> “Last time we were there, someone jumped off the top of the Contemporary, monorail & boat service were shut down for hours. Why would you choose to un-alive yourself where families are around?”
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If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, help is available. Please dial **988** for immediate support.
https://radaronline.com/p/grim-reason-suicides-disney-theme-parks-explained/
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