Double amputee Iraq war veteran dies after he was flung off roller coaster at 50 mph

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Tragic: Seargent James Hackemer died after falling from the Ride of Steel in Syracuse


An Iraq war veteran who lost both his legs to an IED attack has died after being flung from a roller coaster.

Sergeant James Hackemer, 29, died after falling from the Ride of Steel roller coaster at Darien Lake Theme Park, Syracuse, New York.

He was visiting the park with his daughters, sisters and other members of the family. He was on the ride with his nephew, Ashton, a sophomore at the University at Buffalo, when the tragic accident happened.



Struggle: In March 2007, Mr Hackemer nearly lost his life after both legs were blown when his vehicle hit an IED


According to park officials, Mr Hackemer was travelling at 50 mph in the front row of the roller coaster when he was ejected.

Investigators say nothing mechanical was wrong with the ride and both the safety harness and restraining bar were working.


Making plans: James Hackemer, speaking on his return home in 2008 and before his three years of rehabilitation, spoke of his plans to stay active


Speaking to 9WSYR.com, Heather Comer - who was at the park at the time of the accident - spoke to a witness who saw the accident.

Mrs Comer said: 'She was shaking pretty bad and she said yeah some guy just fell out of the superman like in front of me.

'And, supposedly, they said he didn't have any legs. And so he went over a hill and he had fallen out.'

In March 2007, Mr Hackemer nearly lost his life after both legs were blown when his vehicle hit an IED.


So glad he's home: James' proud mother Nancy pictured on his return from Iraq in 2008


Mr Hackemer had spent three years of rehabilitation before his March 18 release from Walter Reed Army Medical Centre.

His heartbroken mother Nancy Hackemer said late Friday night: 'It's going to help a little bit that he was happy.

'We shouldn't have had him for these last three years and four months.

'After he was hit by the IED, he died once in the field and once on the operating table.'


Hero's welcome: James, a popular figure in the western New York area, is pictured returning home in 2008


Mrs Hackemer, of Gowanda, New York, said her son, the youngest of six children that included two boys and four girls, was with his own daughters, Addison, 3, and Kaelynn, 4, who live in Newport News, Virginia.

Speaking to the Buffalo News, Mrs Hackemer said: 'He was assisted on to the ride. He was doing what he wanted to do.'

She added that family members are planning a 'Celebration of Life' for her son.

Mr Hackemer, despite his terrible disabilities, had been staying active since returning home in the spring after the three-year rehabilitation.


Death: The Ride of Steel roller coaster appeared to be functioning as normal according to investigators


Inspiring figure: James pictured on the website for the charity Help Our Military Heroes

source: dailymail