Man Left Dangling on Suspended ‘Tilt’ Coaster for Over an Hour Sues Texas Theme Park for $1 Million

A Texas amusement park is facing a significant lawsuit following a distressing incident involving a roller coaster that allegedly left two riders suspended 130 feet in the air for over an hour. Matthew Cantu, an Austin resident, has filed a lawsuit seeking damages of $1 million, claiming that he suffered physical injuries during the ordeal and that the park lacked a proper emergency evacuation plan.

The events unfolded at COTALAND, a relatively new theme park in Austin, where Cantu and his friend Nicholas Sanchez found themselves stranded on the Circuit-Breaker roller coaster in December 2025. Reports indicate that the pair were left in a precarious position, hanging vertically for an extended period before being safely brought down. Cantu claims that this harrowing experience resulted in injuries affecting his head, neck, back, and other areas of his body.

In his official complaint, Cantu expressed his distress over the situation. He stated, “When you’re in that scenario and you hear them call out, ‘Get the manual,’ it sends shivers down the spine.” The lawsuit cites a troubling history of similar incidents involving this type of “tilt” roller coaster at other parks, suggesting that COTALAND’s circumstances were especially concerning, as none of those previous episodes purportedly kept riders in such a vulnerable position for as long.

Accompanying Cantu during the incident was Catalina Sanchez, a publicist and the sister of his friend. Sanchez documented the distressing scene from the ground and later described the emotional turmoil of watching loved ones endure such an experience. “As a loved one, you never expect to go through something like that,” she remarked in her account to local media.

Cantu’s health and safety took a worrying turn as the situation escalated. After half an hour without communication from park officials, Sanchez decided to call 911 for assistance. During their apprehensive wait, Cantu reported feeling “lightheaded” and experiencing symptoms akin to blood pooling, while Sanchez noted numbness in his upper leg. The prolonged duration of their suspension prompted Cantu to contemplate darker thoughts, reflecting, “Being up there that long can do a lot to a person.”

COTALAND representatives have responded to the lawsuit with statements asserting that the ride’s safety systems functioned as intended throughout the ordeal. According to a spokesperson, a sensor malfunction triggered the delay, but once it was resolved, the roller coaster completed its ride without any further issues. They emphasised their commitment to guest safety, asserting that while ride interruptions can be frustrating, the characterisation of the incident as portrayed in the lawsuit is misleading and stems from a desire for financial gain.

Further reinforcing their stance, COTALAND informed that the roller coaster had recently passed inspection, receiving a compliance sticker valid until October 2026 from the Texas Department of Insurance. The attraction initially opened in October 2025, coinciding with the F1 U.S. Grand Prix, and is part of the first major theme park launched in Austin, which is slated to fully open its doors this summer.

Despite the park’s assurances regarding safety protocols, public reaction has been mixed. Many potential visitors are now reconsidering their plans as concerns over the safety practices at COTALAND loom large. The spectre of legal action and reports of ride malfunctions may overshadow the park’s intended image as a fun and secure entertainment destination.

As the lawsuit progresses, the outcomes and consequences for COTALAND remain to be seen. This incident could serve as a serious wake-up call for amusement parks across the country to reassess their emergency procedures and ensure proper communication channels during potentially dangerous situations. Matthew Cantu’s experience, and the legal challenges ahead, could prompt a broader discussion concerning ride safety standards in the amusement park industry as the public eagerly awaits further developments.