Autopsy shows boy died at Disney from heart condition

The death of a 4-year-old boy after he went on a rocket-ship ride at Walt Disney World was caused by abnormal cardiac rhythms from a &to=http://english.pravda.ru/science/19/94/377/15429_ointment.html' target=_blank>RIA Novosti condition that he apparently had since birth, according to an autopsy released Tuesday.

Daudi Bamuwamye, the son of a United Nations worker from Uganda, died after riding "Mission: Space" in June. He had an abnormality of the heart muscle called idiopathic myocardial hypertrophy, with fibroelastosis of the left ventricle, the Orange County Medical Examiner's Office said.

"People with this condition are at risk for sudden death throughout their life due to abnormal electrical heart rhythms," the medical examiner's office said. "This risk could be increased under physical or emotional stressful situations. This condition may also eventually lead to heart failure."

The $100 million (Ђ85.7 million) Epcot ride, one of Disney World's most popular, was closed after the death but reopened after company engineers concluded it was operating normally.

"Mission: Space" spins riders in a giant centrifuge that subjects them to twice the normal force of gravity, and it is so intense that some riders have been taken to the hospital with chest pain.

Disney officials released only a two-sentence statement saying that "Our sympathies are with the families during this difficult time. In regard to the reports, we believe they speak for themselves."

Robert Samartin, a Tampa-based lawyer who represents Daudi's parents, said the family would have no specific comment until they've had more time to review the report.

"Mr. and Mrs. Bamuwamye and their daughter, Ruthie, remain crushed by this devastating loss. They would like to thank everyone for their continued thoughts and prayers," Samartin said in a statement.

He didn't return a phone message seeking additional comment.

Along with Bamuwamye's death, there have been two other tragedies at the resort this summer.

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