In a tragic incident at an outdoor country music concert in Las Vegas on Sunday, October 2, 2017, 59, a man opened fire from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and killed 59 people, and injured another 527. Last last night we found out that a Disneyland Cast Member was killed in the Las Vegas shooting.
In a tweet on Monday, Bob Iger identified the cast member as Carrie Barnette, a Cast Member of the Disney California Adventure culinary team.
A senseless, horrific, act, and a terrible loss for so many. We mourn a wonderful member of the Disney family: Carrie Barnette. Tragic.
— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) October 3, 2017
According to the statement issued, another Disney Cast Member, Jessica Milam, was also injured in the attack.
This terrible news was also reconfirmed in a statement to the media:
“Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the tragic events in Las Vegas – the victims of violence, the witnesses, and the friends and families mourning loved ones. We are especially heartbroken over the loss of one of our own to this unconscionable and senseless act. Carrie Barnette had been a member of the Disney California Adventure culinary team for ten years and was beloved by her friends and colleagues. Our thoughts are with her family, along with our support, during this incredibly difficult time. Another valued Disney cast member, Jessica Milam, was also seriously injured and we are praying for her recovery.”
Unfortunately, the incident in Las Vegas is far too reminiscent of the shooting which took place in the Pulse nightclub in Orlando last year, where another Disney Cast Member, Jessica Milam, was also injured in the attack.
Our deepest condolences go out to those of the families affected by a senseless tragedy such as these, and we hope to never have to write articles such as this one again.
My name is Ziggy and I love Disney, everything Disney! I grew up on Disney and it has and continues to be a huge part of my life. I started young when my parents took me to Disney World when I was 18 months old. Little did they know that would be the first of an uncountable number of trips we would take. I have so many amazing memories going to Disney with my family and friends and it has been interwoven into my DNA.