Disneyland president remembers ‘kind’ and ‘gentle’ employee who died after backstage accident.
Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock announced the heartbreaking news of Bonnye Lear’s passing on June 10. Lear, a respected and cherished member of the Disneyland team, tragically died after an accident involving a golf cart backstage at the Anaheim theme park.
“I am very sad to share the heartbreaking news that we have lost one of our Disneyland resort cast members, Bonnye Lear, who passed away Friday after being involved in a tragic golf cart accident backstage earlier in the week,” Potrock said in the letter to employees.
Lear, 60, from Fullerton, sustained severe injuries on Wednesday, June 5, when she fell from a golf cart in a backstage area behind Critter Country. Despite medical efforts, she succumbed to her injuries on Friday, June 7.
Remembering Bonnye Lear
Lear’s colleagues at Disneyland remember her as a kind, gentle, and caring person. She spent 24 years working at Disneyland, most recently serving as the Senior Guest Services Manager at Club 33. Prior to this, she held various roles within the guest services, special activities, and travel agency divisions.
“As you can imagine, during those two dozen years, she touched thousands of lives — both guest and cast,” Potrock said. “I have been reading so many wonderful tributes that describe Bonnye as a beautiful person who was kind, gentle, caring, thoughtful, sincere, warm, graceful and full of joy.”
Supporting the Disneyland Community
In the wake of Lear’s death, Disneyland is offering both in-person and online counseling services for employees needing mental health support. Potrock emphasized the importance of supporting Lear’s family and colleagues during this difficult time.
“We are focused on supporting Bonnye’s family and know this is also a difficult time for many of our cast members,” Potrock said. “I’m confident that Bonnye’s kind, genuine spirit will live on through our caring interactions with each other.”
Ongoing Investigations
Disneyland is cooperating fully with the investigations conducted by the Anaheim Police Department and Cal/OSHA to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident. Potrock reaffirmed Disneyland’s commitment to safety, stating, “Safety is our number one priority here at the resort.”
Lear’s most recent position at Club 33, a private, members-only club in New Orleans Square, was one of prestige and exclusivity. Club 33, which opened in May 1967, was inspired by VIP lounges Walt Disney experienced at the 1964 New York World’s Fair.
A Lasting Legacy
Lear’s legacy at Disneyland is marked by her warmth, grace, and dedication to guest and cast member satisfaction. Her positive impact on the Disneyland community will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of working with her.
As Disneyland continues to support its employees and honor Lear’s memory, her spirit of kindness and joy will undoubtedly live on in the interactions and experiences of those she touched.
Information: OC Register