Woman, 88, Dies After Mobility Scooter Plunges Off Pier at Carnival's Celebration Key

An 88-year-old American tourist died after her mobility scooter plunged off a pier at Carnival Cruise Line's Celebration Key in the Bahamas. The incident marks the third death at the Grand Bahama resort since it opened last year.

The woman lost control of her scooter around noon on Saturday, May 9, according to the Nassau Guardian. A Carnival spokesperson confirmed the details to Fox News Digital.

"Carnival confirmed that a female guest using a mobility scooter drove off the pier at Celebration Key and fell into the water while Carnival Celebration was in port on May 9," the spokesperson said. "Carnival teams responded, successfully retrieving her from the water."

"Despite resuscitation efforts, she did not survive. The deceased was taken by the Royal Bahamian Police Department and the coroner’s office. Our thoughts are with her family," the spokesperson added.

Officials believe she struck her head against the hull of the vessel, the Nassau Guardian reported. The woman was transported to the ship's medical facility for treatment and pronounced dead there.

Passenger Edward Egersheim told WSVN that the woman "had a heart attack." "[She] went off with the scooter, and banged her head pretty bad," he said. "And then her husband tried to do what he could, and he ended up hurting himself as well."

Celebration Key, which opened on July 19, 2025, cost $600 million to build. The private destination features sprawling lagoons, beach areas and multiple swimming zones.

Last year, a 79-year-old man drowned while snorkeling at a beach, and a 74-year-old woman died swimming in a lagoon pool. Lifeguards pulled both from the water and administered CPR, but efforts failed.

"One guest was sailing with family on Mardi Gras, and one guest was sailing with family on Carnival Elation," a Carnival spokesperson told Fox News Digital at the time. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the guests and their families and our Care Team is providing assistance."

Passengers in a Carnival Cruise Line Facebook group expressed alarm. "That is scary! And so sad!" one woman wrote. "So sorry to hear," another said. "Prayers to her family and friends."

A third user noted, "This is the third death to happen at Celebration Key since it opened last year."

In a separate incident, 24-year-old Briana Miller died in April 2026 after falling from her balcony on a Carnival ship near Catalina Island, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.