Disney World performer perishes after fall

A Walt Disney World performer has died after suffering a fall during a performance last week. 47-year-old Mark Priest was performing in "Captain Jack's Pirate Tutorial" at the Magic Kingdom when the accident occurred. At point during the show, which leads guests through tests of their pirate skills, the actor playing Sparrow was expected to kick Priest's sidekick character in the butt at the end of a mock sword fight. Following the kick, Priest slipped on a wet spot in the area, careening head-first in to a nearby wall, and quickly exited to a backstage area. After being taken to Florida Hospital Celebration Health and then transferring to Florida Hospital Orlando, Priest was shown to have suffered injuries that included a broken vertebra in his neck and a laceration that required 55 stitches. He was moved out of intensive care and appeared to be okay, but experienced complications Monday and died at Florida Hospital Orlando.

"Our hearts go out to his family and fellow cast members, and we are offering our support to them during this difficult time," Disney spokeswoman Kim Prunty told the Orlando Sentinel, adding that company officials did not know that Priest's injuries were life-threatening, and immediately contacted the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Orange County Sheriff's Office once they learned of his death. Priest had lived in the area since 1989 and had performed at several different local venues, including Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows on International Drive and Universal Studios Florida. [Photo via PeterPanFan]