Rollercoaster victim Shylah Rodden continues to explore legal action two years after tragedy

Shylah Rodden was left fighting for life after being struck by a rollercoaster at the Melbourne Royal Show in 2022. Despite her significant recovery, her battle is far from over.

Shylah Rodden, 26, was hit by a rollercoaster at the Melbourne Royal Show

It’s been two years since Shylah Rodden was struck by a rollercoaster at the Melbourne Royal Show, leaving her fighting for life.

But despite her significant recovery, her battle is far from over.

Ms Rodden, then 26, sustained a traumatic brain injury when she was hit by the Rebel Coaster on September 25, 2022.

The ride was travelling up to 70km/h at the time of impact, causing Ms Rodden to suffer serious injuries to her head, pelvis, arms, legs and back.

She spent weeks in a coma with her family holding a vigil at her bedside following the tragedy.

But it came as no shock to her mother when Ms Rodden defied all odds in making positive progress in her recovery over the past 24-months.

Shylah Rodden in ICU after the rollercoaster incident. Picture: Supplied

Despite living with several cognitive disabilities and impairments, including partial blindness and deafness, Ms Rodden has learnt to walk and talk again.

With her health battle steadily improving, the 28-year-old has a new fight on her hands.

Ms Rodden’s lawyer, Sharlene Mehta from Arnold Thomas and Becker, revealed on Wednesday the family were continuing to explore possible legal action.

“Two years on from the horrific incident at the Melbourne Royal Show, Shylah continues to require medical treatment,” she told the Herald Sun.

“Legal investigations into the incident continue. At this stage the family has no further comment.”

Ms Rodden remains partially blind and deaf following the tragedy. Picture: Supplied

In July, WorkSafe cleared the ride operators of any wrongdoing after a 22-month probe found there was insufficient evidence to prove Occupational Health and Safety had been breached.

It’s understood the investigation considered an extensive amount of material.

But Ms Mehta said she was yet to receive a copy of Worksafe’s findings.

“At this stage we have only received a letter from WorkSafe advising that their investigations are complete and that they have decided not to bring a prosecution against the ride operator,” she said.

“We have not received a copy of WorkSafe’s report so we have no knowledge of what their investigations covered, or who was interviewed as part of their investigations.”

Details of the incident still remain unclear after it was reported that Ms Rodden walked onto the tracks to retrieve a phone.

Witnesses said she was swept and carried to a height of 9m before she dropped to the ground.

Originally published as Rollercoaster victim Shylah Rodden continues to explore legal action two years after tragedy