In July of 1991, a tragic accident rocked the Grand Strand when a 12-year-old girl was thrown from her seat on the Ferris wheel at the Myrtle Beach Pavilion. The young girl found herself clinging to a cable more than 30 feet above the ground.
The accident reportedly occurred when a teenager began rocking his cab and fell. When he fell, he pushed the young girl out of her cab.
Unfortunately, the 17-year-old did not survive, but thanks to one Pavilion employee, Timmy Abbott, who climbed the structure while risking his own life, he was able to reach the young girl who was dangling.
Abbott grabbed hold of her with one arm as he gripped the Ferris wheel with the other, as firefighters worked to reach them. Abbott acted without hesitation, and thanks to his bravery, the young girl’s life was saved.
Sadly, just a year later, Timmy Abbott died in a car accident.
Written By John G. Clark Jr.
