Ruth Quesenberry, an 80-year-old visitor injured in a horse-drawn wagon accident at Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville, North Carolina, has died. Her son, Eddie Quesenberry, announced her death on October 22, 2026, days after the incident left her with severe head injuries.
The accident happened on Saturday, October 17, during a wagon ride at the drive-through wildlife attraction in Iredell County. The incident injured three passengers and prompted an emergency response, according to the ranch and local news reports.
What Happened at Lazy 5 Ranch?
In a statement, Lazy 5 Ranch said a limb from a nearby tree fell and struck the side of the horse-drawn wagon. The impact startled the horses, causing three passengers to fall from the wagon.
Emergency medical personnel transported all three injured visitors to local hospitals for treatment and evaluation. The wagon driver was unharmed, and the horses were evaluated and found to be uninjured, according to the ranch’s statement.
Quesenberry’s injuries were particularly severe. Earlier reports from local media said she underwent brain surgery after suffering serious head trauma, including procedures to relieve pressure caused by bleeding and swelling. Her family had been hoping for her recovery before her death was announced.
The circumstances surrounding the incident have drawn attention to the risks associated with outdoor attractions where animals, vehicles and natural surroundings interact.
Family Mourns Ruth Quesenberry
Eddie Quesenberry shared the news of his mother’s death in a social media post, bringing an end to the family’s public updates about her condition.
In earlier interviews with local news outlets, he described the seriousness of her injuries and the difficult period facing their family. A fundraising campaign was also established to help with medical expenses following the accident.
The loss has brought renewed attention to the other people injured in the incident, including a relative of Quesenberry’s. Their recovery and medical circumstances have been discussed in local reporting.
Lazy 5 Ranch Responds to the Accident
Lazy 5 Ranch expressed concern for everyone affected and said visitor, staff and animal safety remained a priority. The attraction also stated that, among more than three million guests who had taken its wagon rides since it opened in 1993, this was the first incident in its history resulting in hospitalizations requiring an overnight stay.
As Quesenberry’s family mourns her death, questions surrounding the accident may prompt further scrutiny of the circumstances that led to the passengers falling from the wagon.
Cause of death: Reports confirm that Quesenberry died after suffering severe injuries in the October 17 accident. A specific medical cause of death has not been publicly detailed in the sources reviewed.