Full Breakdown
Tragic Fatality Revives Debate Over Central Park Horse Carriage Rides
6/21/2026, 5:14:37 AM
The Fatal Incident
On June 17, 2026, 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, visiting New York from India, fell from a horse-drawn carriage in Central Park after the horse bolted when the driver stepped away to photograph them. Mahajan suffered a head injury and died at NewYork-Presbyterian Weill Cornell; the driver was suspended and the horse, Sampson, retired.
Background & Context
Carriage rides have run in Central Park since 1858. Mahajan’s death is the first passenger fatality in a century, yet eight horse-related incidents occurred in the past 13 months, including the death of a horse, Deniz. The park has about 68 carriages and 100 horses; rides cost $72 for 20 minutes.
Key Figures & Groups
TWU Local 100 represents drivers; Alexander Kemp issued statements. The Central Park Conservancy manages the park. Council Member Christopher Marte and Speaker Julie Menin sponsor “Ryder’s Law” to ban rides.
Official Statements & Responses
TWU said it is “devastated,” shut stables, and stressed drivers must stay in the carriage. Conservancy called for a suspension until hitching posts are installed. Marte urged ending the practice. Mayor Mamdani reiterated support for a ban and a transition for workers.
Criticism & Opposition
Animal-rights groups, including New Yorkers for Clean, Livable, and Safe Streets, called the rides a safety hazard and urged passage of Ryder’s Law. Carriage owners like Altintas argue stricter regulation—not a ban—could prevent accidents and preserve jobs.
Eyewitness Accounts
Md Shafi Islam said the horse “was running and running.” Helen David recalled the teen shouting “Mom!” as the carriage toppled.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the driver’s name—some name Ertan Gokdepe, others omit it—and on why the horse bolted (“unknown reasons” vs. driver leaving the carriage). The horse is identified as Sampson in most reports, yet one source calls it simply “the horse.” No report is available.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our hearts go out the family of Romanch Mahajan. Words can't express the enormity of this tragedy. We are taking the first steps towards address safety issues.” — Alexander Kemp, TWU Local 100
- “He was screaming, ‘Mom!’” — Deepak Mahajan, father
- “This is the tragedy we feared when we first called last year for horse carriages to be banned from Central Park due to the risks they pose to public safety and public health.” — Christopher Marte, City Council member
- “A young man came to enjoy our park and lost his life. That is not an acceptable cost of an antiquated industry operating in the middle of one of the most heavily used public spaces in America.” — Edita Birnkrant, New Yorkers for Clean, Livable, and Safe Streets
What’s Next
The City Council will hold a July hearing on Ryder’s Law, which seeks to phase out carriage rides and provide job-transition assistance. TWU plans driver training and pushes for park-wide hitching posts while rides remain suspended.
