Boy Plunges To Death From Ferris Wheel

A 6-year-old boy plunged 90 feet to his death from the top of a Ferris wheel while his mother watched from below, authorities said.

Ruben Castillo was riding alone in his gondola at the San Joaquin Count Fair when he fell around 4:30 p.m. Sunday, authorities said. He was taken to San Joaquin County General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

California Occupational Safety and Health Administration officials, who are investigating the incident, were told that the boy tried to climb out of his seat, said spokesman Dean Fryer. It was not immediately clear why he climbed out or whether he was properly secured in the seat, Fryer said.

The fair's rides have no age restrictions, only a height requirement, which Ruben met for the Giant Wheel, said Forrest White, the fair's executive director.

Butler Amusements spokeswoman, Mary Castel, said the company always abides by the rules set forth by the state.

"We are extremely sorry this tragic accident occurred," Castel said. "We have a very good safety record that we stand behind."

The ride was shut down for the rest of Sunday, and the fair previously scheduled a day off Monday. The Giant Wheel will remain closed until the investigation is complete, Fryer said.