Ohio fair attendance drops after death

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Officials said a deadly thrill ride accident on the opening day of this year’s Ohio State Fair contributed to a significant drop in attendance.

Officials said Tuesday that more than 800,000 people attended the fair this year, the lowest number since it switched to its current 12-day format in 2004. Last year, more than 920,000 people attended.

Tyler Jarrell died from blunt force trauma injuries after being tossed into the air when the Fire Ball ride broke apart July 26. Seven others were injured. Four remained hospitalized as of last week, including a woman in a coma.

The Dutch manufacturer of the ride said excessive corrosion on a support beam led to a “catastrophic failure.” It ordered the shutdown of similar rides worldwide after the accident.

AP/J. DAVID AKE The moon looms large in the background as a cyclist rides across the Francis Scott Key Bridge toward the Georgetown neighborhood Wednesday morning in Washington, D.C.