Disney World worker killed by float

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- A costumed Disney World employee was run over and killed by a float during a Wednesday afternoon parade at the Magic Kingdom.

The death occurred in a backstage area near the Splash Mountain ride, said Jim Solomons, a spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

Disney spokeswoman Rena Langley said Javier Cruz, 38, of Orlando, was about to enter the park when he was hit, and she wasn't sure if any visitors witnessed what happened. She said Cruz had worked at the park since 1995 and was the Pluto character in the parade.

Sheriff's spokesman Carlos Torres said the investigation showed the death was accidental. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration also was investigating.

In 1999, a worker in the loading area of the Skyway ride fell to his death, and OSHA fined the park $4,500 for what it called a serious safety violation. The ride was closed later that year.