Mum's horrifying accident at birthday party as kids watch on
A 23-year-old mother thought she was going to die after a horrific incident at a theme park when she was celebrating her child's birthday.
In November last year, Evelyn Rapier, 23, was celebrating her child's birthday at Urban Air Adventure Park in Illinois with her children, family and friends.
While on a zip-line ride, the harness that was meant to be secured around Ms Rapier's waist ended up around her neck, strangling her while her friends, family and children watched on.
"I don't know how it got around my neck. All I can remember is I can't breathe. I'm going to die. I felt blood going through my face. My eyeballs," the mother said according to ABC7.
"I was moving around, thinking about my kids, thinking about my husband, what's going to happen? Like, no, I'm gonna die. This is it.
"Like this is my last moment and it's going to be at my three-year-old's birthday party."
The whole ordeal was caught on camera and video shows Ms Rapier hanging from the ride with the harness around her neck.
Ms Rapier was able to get out of the harness, however, she suffered bruising around the neck and says since the incident she has experienced memory loss and problems with her speech.
She has now filed a lawsuit against the park, alleging negligence. Ms Rapier's attorney said it appeared staff "are not properly trained to put on the equipment".
In a statement to NBC Chicago, Urban Air said all staff were retrained after the incident last year and safety was a priority.
"One injury is one too many, but what’s important to remember is ride safety is a shared partnership between the park and their guests and it’s essential they follow posted and verbal guidelines and instructions," the statement said.
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