Determined rollercoaster victim fights on as ride operator cleared

The family of a young woman who almost died after being hit by a ride at the Melbourne Royal Show, say they’re disappointed no-one will be held liable for the tragedy.

Shylah Rodden was left partially blind, deaf and brain-damaged – and now faces a lifetime of costly medical bills – after being hit by the Rebel Coaster in September last year.

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

The now 28-year-old was in a critical condition following the accident and spent months in a coma.

After 101 days in hospital and lengthy rehabilitation she was able to return to the family’s Craigieburn home but still requires full-time medical care.

Shylah was left partially blind and brain damaged from her injuries.

But mother Kylie Rodden says her daughter is a determined young woman who hopes one day to work and drive a car again.

“They told me that Shylah would never walk, Shylah would never talk … and that she would probably spend the rest of her life in a nursing home,” Rodden said.

“She’s done the hard yards, through sheer determination and grit and it’s all credit to her.

“She is such a strong, determined woman.”

Before the accident Shylah was training to work in community services, but on the day was helping operate a lolly stand at the show.

Witnesses said Shylah was attempting to retrieve her mobile phone when she was hit, but her mother would not be drawn on the circumstances surrounding the accident.

“I’d prefer not to answer that one. I think in time Shylah can answer that.”

Shylah and her family have been hurt by online trolling blaming her for the incident.

Shylah hopes to one day return to work.

“She’s seen the comments, some of them have been very hurtful, some of them are just untrue, unfounded,” Rodden said.

“There’s good and bad in everything, we just have to deal with it, Shylah has to deal with it.

“It’s hurtful, she has bad days with it, but she’s strong.”

A WorkSafe investigation has now concluded with no action to be taken against the ride operator.

“They found no evidence to criminally charge and the case was closed,” Rodden said. “No information behind their findings so yeah, a little bit disappointed.”

Despite now being able to communicate, Shylah was not interviewed as part of the OH&S probe.

The Roddens are now investigating civil action to help cover Shylah’s medical expenses but will wait for the full WorkSafe report.

Sharlene Mehta, from Arnold Thomas & Becker, is representing the family and said she believed Shylah should have been asked for her take on what happened.

A WorkSafe spokesman said in a statement: “After careful consideration of the evidence, WorkSafe has determined not to take further action against any duty holder on this matter at this time.”