Woman injured at Dragster sues Cedar Fair

Read the full update by clicking here. Original story SANDUSKY — A woman who was struck in the head by a dislodged metal plate from a coaster train on the Top Thrill Dragster on Aug. 15, 2021, filed a lawsuit Wednesday in Erie County Common Pleas Court. Rachel Hawes, of Swartz Creek, Michigan, was standing in line for the roller coaster, which has not been in operation again since that day. Hawes suffered a skull fracture and traumatic, permanent brain injury in the incident, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit states that, since then, Hawes' medical bills have surpassed $2 million, she will require future medical care and treatment expected to cost in excess of $10 million and suffered a loss in earnings capacity of $1.2 million. Cedar Fair, Intamin Ltd., the ride's manufacturer, and numerous unnamed people and entities are named as defendants in the lawsuit. Hawes is represented by attorney Jim Murray and William Bartle of the Murray & Murray law firm in Sandusky. "This incident should have never occurred. Rachel suffered permanent and life-altering injuries as a result of being struck in the head by a dislodged flag plate while simply standing in line," Jim Murray said. "The aftermath of Rachel's injuries has been a continuing nightmare for her and her family," Murray said. As a longtime Erie County resident who takes pride in Cedar Point's contribution to our community, I hope Cedar Point will demonstrate it cares for its patrons by taking full responsibility for Rachel's injuries."