Top Thrill Dragster suit settled

SANDUSKY — A woman who was severely injured when a metal plate from a train on the Top Thrill Dragster came loose and struck her in the head has reached a financial settlement in her lawsuit against Cedar Fair. Rachel Hawes, a Michigan resident who was visiting Cedar Point on Aug. 15, 2021, was in line to ride the Top Thrill Dragster when she was injured. She, her family and Cedar Fair have mutually agreed to resolve the legal claim, according to joint statement provided by the Murray & Murray law firm and Cedar Fair. The law firm represents Hawes. "Rachel suffered a life-changing injury but has been blessed with a tremendous support network that, along with her resilience, has helped on her journey toward recovery," the statement reads. "Rachel truly appreciates all the public's support and prayers, and Cedar Fair's cooperation and open communication with her family and their counsel." Terms of the settlement are confidential. "The parties were able to come to a fair and equitable agreement that satisfies both parties," according to the statement, and they have "have agreed they will not make any additional comments to the press regarding the resolution." Hawes, according to past reports, will need medical care due to her injury for the rest of her life. A state investigation of the accident determined that the plate came loose from the train car and that it was an isolated incident. Hawes was the only person injured. The ride, which debuted in 2003, was the first roller coaster higher than 400 feet. It was shut down after the accident, and Cedar Fair officials initially said the Top Thrill Dragster would be permanently closed. Later it was decided to reimagine and reconstruct the ride, which is relaunching this season as Top Thrill 2. * Editor's note: This article has been changed to reflect that the announcement of a settlement was a joint statement from both parties.