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Language Barrier May Have Played Role In Ferris Wheel Death
Mother Watched As Boy Fell To His Death

POSTED: 1:48 pm PDT June 20, 2006

STOCKTON, Calif. -- There are some frightening details out now about the circumstances surrounding the death of a six-year-old boy who fell from a Ferris wheel Sunday at the San Joaquin County Fair.

The boy's mother says she believed her son tried to climb out of the car when he panicked on the ride.

Sophia Castillo says she screamed at the operator of the Ferris wheel to bring her son's car to the bottom but because he didn't speak English, he didn't understand her.

She watched her son -- Ruben -- dangle for about 40 seconds before he fell 90 feet to his death.

According to police, Ruben Castillo was riding alone at the time of the incident. Investigators said it was not clear how he tumbled from the ride, but his mother was watching as he neared the top of the 100-foot ride and fell.

Witnesses said the boy looked frightened as the gondola neared its highest point. They said it appeared the boy tried to climb out.

Cal-OSHA officials, who are investigating the incident, said it was not clear why he might have climbed out or whether he was properly secured in the seat.

A fair spokesman said the rides have no age restrictions, only a height requirement which Ruben met.

The ride was operated by Fairfield-based Butler Amusements and had a valid permit. Spokeswoman Mary Castel said the company is sorry for the accident but stands by its safety record.

The ride was shut down Sunday and the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration said it would investigate to determine if it could resume operation, said Forrest White, the fair's chief executive officer.

Authorities have not released the name of the boy, or his mother.