Shylah Rodden, Melbourne rollercoaster victim discharged from hospital
A Melbourne woman injured in an horrific rollercoaster accident has been released from hospital, lawyers have revealed.
Victoria
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A Melbourne woman critically injured when struck by a moving rollercoaster has been discharged from hospital, four months after the horrific accident.
Shylah Rodden, 26, suffered injuries to her head, pelvis, arms, legs and back after she was hit by the Rebel Coaster carriage at the Royal Melbourne Show.
The carriage was travelling up to 70km/h at the time of impact.
Ms Rodden, from Craigieburn, suffered severe brain damage along with crushed bones in the September 25 incident.
This week the Royal Melbourne Hospital confirmed she was no longer a patient under their care.
Ms Rodden’s family declined to comment.
Arnold Thomas & Becker, lawyers for Shylah Rodden confirmed that she has been moved from the Royal Melbourne Hospital to another health care facility.
A spokesman from the law firm said “whilst this indicates that her condition has stabilised, the injuries she has sustained remain life-changing.”
“At this point we have no further updates on her condition.”
“Investigations into the accident are ongoing,” lawyers said.
Previously Shylah’s family said they were hopeful she could recover.
“She is plodding along … but she will be all right,” her father Alan Rodden told the Herald Sun in September last year.
He said his family had been overwhelmed by the public interest in his daughter’s recovery.
“We are doing all right,” he said.
“We have just got to settle it down, but we will talk later on.”
Meanwhile, a painstaking WorkSafe investigation into the mishap is into its fifth month.
An initial inspection cleared the Rebel Coaster of any mechanical fault which may have been a contributing factor in what happened.
Officials will be looking into how Ms Rodden was able to get beyond the perimeter fence and whether that should have been picked up by staff.
It is possible there will be broader safety implications for ride operators at shows and other events into the future.
A WorkSafe spokesman confirmed the authority’s investigation is continuing but was unable to comment further.
A GoFundMe launched in the aftermath of the accident has raised $36,268 from 475 donations.
Friend and campaign organiser Sylvia Dess said funds raised would contribute to Shylah’s ongoing “24 hour” care, rehabilitation, therapy and disability equipment.
“I would like to raise as much money as I can for Shylah,” Ms Dess said.
“Family and friends are devastated during this crucial time. (We) thank everyone for all the kind wishes and donations.”
The WorkSafe investigation is ongoing.
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