Will Koch Dies, of Holiday World

[GADVwow]

- The owner of southern Indiana theme park Holiday World and Spashin' Safari Will Koch died overnight. According to a press release issued by the theme park overnight, Koch died at home of what the family believes to be complications from diabetes.

He was 48.

Park spokesperson Paula Werne says, "Will was not only our leader, he was our dear friend. Our park family is in mourning for this sweet man who worked tirelessly to bring fun and happiness to so many families in the 20 years he ran the park."

Werne also says that Holiday World & Splashin' Safari will be open today, and that the park will continue to be owned and operated by the Koch family....

http://www.14wfie.com/Global/story.asp?S=12643268

[Ogolo]

 
At first I thought there might have been another Will Koch in the family.
So surprised to see it was our friend from Holiday World!

[Millennium Force 44]

wow this is extremely upsetting. I thought the same thing Ken! I cannot believe this. What an unfortunate event. We just met the Koch family a few weeks ago and they are such great people. I feel terrible about this.

[ChuckR]

That's horrible news, no family should have to go through this.

[AV Matt]

Very sad.  I'm in shock. 

[GADVwow]

The video speaks for itself:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuDgYU2wJyU#noexternalembed

I feel for Pat.  The woman is a trooper, and losing your son at this age has got be one of the hardest things ever...

I also feel for his wife, kids and for the park family...and it is that, the park family.

[Millennium Force 44]

she is so strong and is just grateful about everything. I don't know how she does it. God bless her and the family. The video is pretty heart wrenching. =(

[Bubba Z]

Like Pat said, there are so many more things to worry about than Timberliners. So glad I went to Holiwood nights.  Who would of thought it would be our last Hi's in the midways.  So sad 

[GADVwow]

Apparent cause of death: drowning:

http://www.whas11.com/home/Holiday-World-owner-drowned-diabetes-still-investigated-96415099.html

[AV Matt]

Oh man, that just makes it hurt more.

[rjholla2003]

This is all just...shocking. I never visited the park or met the Koch family, but from what I have heard about them over the years I feel as if I can still feel the void that has been created. God Bless their family.