Three young residents from Missouri have initiated legal action against Six Flags St. Louis, seeking $25,000 each in damages following an alleged incident that occurred on a popular waterslide. This complaint, filed in the 21st Circuit Court of St. Louis County, stems from an event on 23 August 2025 at the Hurricane Harbor water park.
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The plaintiffs—Addyson Aaron, 21, Mackenzie Angel, 21, and Hayden Jarrell, 20—claim they sustained serious injuries while riding the Typhoon Twister waterslide. They describe a harrowing experience during which the inflatable tube they were riding flipped over mid-ride, leading to their injuries. The Typhoon Twister is known for its multi-person inflatable tubes designed for 2-4 riders, propelling them into a 125-foot long whirlpool bowl where riders spin before being dropped into a zero-gravity wave wall.
According to the petition, prior to embarking on the ride, the trio was weighed by staff, placed into the tube, and set in motion by an employee. However, during the ride, the tube allegedly flipped, resulting in the guests being unseated and thrown off, leading to significant injuries. Following the incident, they were transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital St. Louis for emergency medical care.
The claims detailed in the lawsuit contend that the ride was improperly maintained and that park employees lacked the necessary training to ensure rider safety. Aaron reportedly suffered avulsion fractures to her L1 vertebra, alongside a compression fracture of the T11 vertebra. Her condition necessitated a hospital stay of five days and subsequent physical and occupational therapy.
Angel reported sustaining a concussion, along with neck and back stiffness and soreness, plus an injury to her left shoulder. Jarrell faced serious repercussions as well, including a concussion and memory loss attributed to the head impact during the fall.
The plaintiffs are unmistakably seeking accountability from Six Flags St. Louis, emphasising a failure to maintain safety protocols, inspect for hazards, and properly train employees. The trio’s legal representative, Jaclyn Kinkade, conveyed enthusiasm about presenting their case in court, aiming to hold the amusement park accountable for the injuries sustained by her clients.
In a related note, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation recently announced the successful sale of six of its U.S. parks, including Six Flags St. Louis, to EPR Properties, a Kansas City-based real estate investment trust. This transaction marks a significant shift in the operational management of these parks. EPR Properties intends to collaborate with Enchanted Parks to manage the properties, retaining the rights to utilise the Six Flags brand until the end of 2026.
Regarding the transition following this sale, EPR Properties expressed expectations that there would be “no significant impact on guests.” The CEO of Enchanted Parks, James Harhi, characterised Six Flags St. Louis as the “crown jewel” of the deal, with plans to eventually rebrand it as “Mid-America by Enchanted Parks”.
As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen how this situation will evolve and what implications it may have for Six Flags St. Louis and its visitors. The company has yet to issue a public statement regarding the allegations made in the lawsuit, and inquiries have been directed to them for clarification on the matter.
As public interest continues to grow around this case, it poses significant questions surrounding the safety standards and operational practices at amusement parks across the region, especially concerning rides of this nature. The forthcoming legal proceedings may also spark broader discussions about rider safety and the accountability of entertainment providers in ensuring a secure environment for their guests.