Tragedy as girl, 16, flung to her death from rollercoaster after complaining her seatbelt would not do up

A TEENAGER was flung to her death on a horror fairground ride just moments after complaining her seatbelt would not do up.

Samantha Aguilar, 16, was thrown off the ride with another girl as they rode the "Sizzler" at a church carnival in southwest Texas.

The other 15-year-old victim luckily only suffered minor injuries and is expected to make a full recovery, while a third teenager who was also in their carriage clung onto the belt to avoid being ejected.

She managed to walk away unscathed after "clinging onto her belt for dear life", her aunt claimed.

The aunt, who wished to remain anonymous, said the girls were assured they "would be fine without" the seatbelt on the Sizzler ride.

Speaking to News Channel 9, she also claimed only two people are meant to ride in one carriage at a time - but says all three girls were allowed in at once.

The tragedy happened at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in El Paso during Dia de Los Niños celebrations, which is a traditional Mexican holiday to celebrate children.



Sergeant Enrique Carillo from the El Paso Police Department said an investigation was underway into the incident.

He said: "How exactly the accident happened, how the three teenagers were ejected is yet to be determined."

Samantha is reported to have been a student athlete at Hanks High School.

Hanks' track coach Kim Gomez said: "We loved Sam. This girls' comments last night were, 'she's wonderful', and she is."

Online tributes flooded in for the popular teen today, with many friends wearing "red for Sam" on social media.

Nessa Rodarte wrote: "God decided to take u back w him. And now ur in a Better Place & From Up their (sic) you'll take care of you family. Rest in peace.

"My Condolences to her family."