Shylah Rodden: How rollercoaster victim is defying the odds in her recovery

A Melbourne woman left fighting for life after being struck by a moving rollercoaster is now walking, talking and doing things doctors never thought possible.

A Melbourne woman who was left fighting for life after she was struck by a moving rollercoaster is walking and talking again, one year after the horror accident.

Shylah Rodden, 26, suffered serious injuries to her head, pelvis, arms, legs and back when she was struck by the Rebel Coaster at the Melbourne Royal Show in September last year.

It’s understood the carriage was travelling up to 70km/h at the time of impact, causing Ms Rodden to suffer severe brain damage and crushed bones.

In a statement provided exclusively to the Herald Sun, Ms Rodden’s mother, Kylie Rodden, said her daughter had “defied the odds” in her recovery.

“Over the past year our focus has been supporting Shylah with her recovery and assisting her to move forward with her life,” she said.

Shylah Rodden was struck by a rollercoaster at the Melbourne Royal Show last year.

“We are so grateful to see her progress from the horrific injuries she suffered.

“She has defied the odds and is now walking, talking and doing things that we were told by doctors, may not be possible”.

Ms Rodden’s lawyer, Sharlene Mehta from Arnold Thomas and Becker, said WorkSafe’s investigation remained ongoing.

“The accident has had far-reaching impacts on Shylah and her family, so the outcomes of these investigations are eagerly awaited,” she said.

“The family has indicated that once they receive further information from the investigations, they may then be open to providing further comments, but for now ask that their privacy is respected so that they can continue to focus on Shylah’s recovery”.

Ms Rodden was seriously injured but is now walking and talking again, one year after the horror accident.

Mrs Rodden said her daughter had suffered from “relentless abuse and criticism” online, in the months after the tragedy.

“What happened was a tragic accident, which as a family we’ve had to deal with,” she said.

“To be hearing and reading the negative comments made in the media and on social media has been hurtful to Shylah and our family.

“This sort of negativity has a real impact on the progress that has been made.”

Mrs Rodden said many comments were “misguided” and “cruel”.

“We’ve done our best to shield Shylah from these comments, as so much of it has been misguided and, in many instances, cruel,” she said.

“Unfortunately, Shylah has seen these comments and they really affect her.

“We are making a public statement now in the hope that people will understand that these negative comments are not helpful in any way.

“Our wish is to keep moving forward and to enable Shylah to continue with her recovery and focus on the incredible progress that she’s making.”