Tragic twist for family of Melbourne woman hit by rollercoaster
The family of the woman who was struck by a rollercoaster in Melbourne on Sunday has been in mourning after losing her brother just months ago, it's been revealed.
And now, Shylah Rodden, 26, is clinging on to life in hospital after sustaining "horrific" injuries caused by a tragic accident at the Melbourne Royal Show.
Her dad Alan Rodden said mystery surrounds what happened to his daughter who is currently in a coma.
The 26-year-old broke multiple bones and has brain damage caused by a roller coaster carriage that investigators believe hit her as she climbed on to the tracks to retrieve her phone.
The devastating accident comes just months after Ms Rodden's brother died, causing more pain for the family.
In a Facebook post seen by Daily Mail Australia, the 26-year-old said her "world came crashing down" when she heard the news in July.
"Dad sat me down and told me that my brother had passed away," she wrote, according to the publication.
"He wasn't just my big brother, he was my best friend, my everything, the person I looked up to and inspired to be like.
"He taught me so much in life, he showed me the difference between right and wrong and he was never afraid to tell me how he really feels.
"It doesn't feel real, I keep thinking you'll call me back."
Mystery surrounds tragic accident
Ms Rodden's sister Caisha said it's "sad and disgusting to see false stories" about her sister when she is "fighting for her life" in hospital.
Initially it was believed Ms Rodden, who was working at the show, climbed onto the tracks to fetch her phone when she was hit by the oncoming ride. The cart was travelling at speeds of up to 70km/h, The Daily Telegraph reported.
But conflicting reports have since emerged from eyewitnesses who suggested the 26-year-old was on the ride when she fell from it. Show organisers have since denied this theory.
WorkSafe Victoria is working with police to piece together what exactly happened.
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