The Bulgarian student hit Sunday by a roller coaster while working the ride on the Seaside Heights boardwalk died this morning.
Doctors removed Stanislav Nikolaev Dragnev, 21, from life support shortly after 7 a.m. at his father's request, said Marilou Halvorsen, spokeswoman for Casino Pier, the site of the Star Jet roller coaster that hit Dragnev.Dragnev's father, Nikolay Dragnev, who rushed to the United States after the accident, spent Wednesday night at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune with his son before doctors took the student off the machines that were keeping him alive, Halvorsen said.
"The owners, management and co-workers are deeply saddened and devastated by the tragic accident which resulted in the passing of Stanislav Nikolaev Dragnev,'' a statement from the Casino Pier owners said. ``Stanislav was a dedicated and hardworking employee, but more importantly, he was a kind, friendly and loving human being. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family, friends and coworkers here and in Bulgaria.''
The younger Dragnev, from Pleven, Bulgaria, was a student at the University of National and World Economy in Sofia, Bulgaria.
He came to the United States in May as part of a international work-study program through the Council for International Educational Exchange, the Maine-based company through which Casino Pier obtains summer employees.
Police and Casino Pier officials said Dragnev, who was working the roller coaster Sunday night, was hit in the head by one of the cars after he went into a restricted area to retrieve the hat of one of the ride's patrons. He had been on life support since.
Halvorsen said grief counselors will be available today for Dragnev's coworkers and friends. The pier also is planning a memorial service, most likely for next week, she said.
New Jersey Amusement Park Attractions Deaths
``Right now we're trying to deal with the students' well-being,'' Halvorsen said.
The state Department of Community Affairs inspected the ride after the accident and determined it had not malfunctioned. Though it was cleared to be reopened, pier managers have kept it shut.
New Jersey Amusement Park Attractions Deaths